How do you reject strangers who want to handle your dog?

I say "he's shy", "he's not comfortable with strangers", or "we're training right now"

I would just sweetly ask that they do not touch the dog, as you are trying to train him/her. This is the best way to let them down easy, makes it seem less rude then "hey don't touch my dog" and if they can't respect that then you can be more stern or walk away. Sometimes when my dog jumps up on someone I tell him to get down and I hear "oh it's ok, I love dogs" and then I usually say something along the lines of "we are training him to sit when he wants attention." This usually works well

"She needs some space."

"She's shy."

"She doesn't like being touched."

"She's in training."

"She's not feeling well."

Often I'll just focus my attention on my dog and tell her "let's go!" while moving away - that usually clues people in that we're not open to interacting.

OUtside, I will cross the street. Otherwise, as they approach, I will say the dog is "not friendly" to ward them off. The dog's comfort matters more than there's, especially if the dog is so uncomfortable, they may be agressive. So, stop them as they approach.

I normally state that my dog is friendly and loves people, but we are working on some training and the best way they can help is by ignoring her. Some people think that my dog is aggressive by the way she is reacting and will often cross the street, but truly she is very leash reactive and gets excited. Sometimes it can be difficult in crowded places or when it is a nice day out and everyone is out walking. But I normally just state that I appreciate their interest, however my dog is in training and she cannot interact with people at this time.

I have lots of experience with this one. In my experience, most people will touch the dog by the time I politely try to explain that I would like them not to, whatever the reason (in training, shy, etc.) and a lot will continue to touch the dog. I've even explained to a stranger that the dog is not friendly (and he wasn't) and they argued with me that he looks friendly while continuing to try to touch him.

If the person gets in close proximity, I will say something along the lines of, "No, don't touch," assertively (but remembering to stay calm for my canine buddy). That will usually stop them as perhaps they think the dog might not be friendly. When they no longer attempt to touch the dog, I very politely offer the explanation. It may simply be, "I'm sorry, he's in training not to jump on people and I can't let him be pat if he's jumping. Would you like to ask him to sit?"

You don't want to be rude, so try to let them as casually/sweetly as possible. Explain that your dog (or you) don't like unwanted touch, because you're training them, or because your dog is sensitive, etc. Be nice, but firm!.

Sometimes you can just pull away and walk away to send a nonverbal signal that you don't want your dog to be touched, too.

This is a question I think all of us have had at one time or another. My dog is perfectly friendly, but I do not want the liability of strangers constantly approaching her. I will make direct eye contact and let them know "she is training right now, maybe another time" or "she is not feeling well". In my opinion, you do not owe anyone a further explanation, and those statements have come off only as upfront, and not rude. There are also velcro attachments for harnesses, collars, and leashes that state things like "DO NOT PET," etc. that I have used when walking shelter dogs whose history I am unsure of. These have worked GREAT and can be found on ETSY for relatively cheap.