Puppy is afraid of leash...what to do?

Its a phase some puppies go through. Just keep being persistent with putting the lead on and try to convince him to walk. Try putting the lead on, walk a few steps away from him with a treat, and call him. He'll get used to the lead being there. As for picking him up and cuddling him when he doesnt want to walk, you are reinforcing his scared behaviour, he'll begin to think he's doing what you want if you continue that. Instead, when he cowers and gets scared, take the lead off and leave it for a while and try again later...Good Luck