Do you advocate for your dog???
You wouldn't allow a stranger to approach your child, reach into the pram and pull them out for a cuddle. You'd intercede! Do your dog the same courtesy, and advocate for them.
Is your dog anxious about or scared of strangers? If so, when people ask to pat your dog say NO! You don't need to worry about offending that person, and you don't need to give a reason unless you want to. Be polite, but be firm, and your dog will learn that you are willing to step up on their behalf.
Which means they don’t need to react.
Is your dog worried about other dogs? Make sure you react to the approach of other dogs and owners before they can allow their "friendly" dog to get in your dog’s face or in their space. It is not the right of that person who "just wants to socialise their dog" to override what you believe is best for your dog. Again, your dog needs to see that they have a strong leader who will step up on their behalf and not allow the other dog into their comfort zone.
Which means they don’t need to react
If you don't step up to the plate, one day they just might, and I wonder what form that might take. You just might be shocked at what they might do.
