Puppy grabs and pulls leash. Not chewing.

[wulfric95]

Hello everyone.
I have a 4 month old German Shepherd/Akita cross. He's a great pup, super smart. He does this thing were he will grab the leash and try to pull me along. Not really playing tug-o-war (as in facing me and trying to play) but actually grabbing it and pulling me as he walks forward, as if to make me go faster.
He generally does it when we are going outside, even just to go potty. He doesn't do it for long, but he does it enough that I don't want it to become a bigger problem.
This isn't like regular leash chewing, and I can't just drop the leash so that he has nothing to pull because I am right next to a very busy road, and I don't want to risk him seeing his moment of freedom and, being a smart-but-at-the-same-time-stupid puppy, running into the road.
I've thought about the whole spraying the leash thing, but it just seems like a non permanent solution that would have to be renewed often.
Any other thoughts or ideas? Anyone else have a puppy or dog that does this?
Thanks in advance!

Here's a picture, just so you can see how cute he is!

[pbpatti]

Yup definately a cutie pie. Welcome to pets. Someone with more knowledge will be by to give some advice. patti