I just read that you don't want them excited,
that an excited dog is a nervous and anxious dog. I read that you should get them tired and/or relaxed before heading out with the leash the first few times. I'm not arguing or saying you're wrong, mind you, I just mentioned what I read and wondered if anyone else has heard the same thing.
Izzy froze the first few times we put the halter on her and she tried to eat the leash instead of walking. Imagine tethered to a 1 pound dog who's laying on her back snarling and eating her leash while I'm trying to look like we're enjoying our walk.