How do I deal with people who want to touch/pat my Shepherds? Despite telling people to leave my dogs alone they still try to touch them, suggestions please!

Good Morning Cindy,

My question is this: How do I deal with people who put there hands on/ want to pat my Shepherds? When I walk them (separately), and stop to talk to someone, many times a person will reach out to put their hands on the dog. Despite my telling them to leave the dog alone and putting the dog in a down position, this still happens. Example: I stop to talk to my neighbor, put the dog in a down position, and her husband comes over and puts his hands in the Shepherds face. He heard me say "Please leave the Shepherd alone." Suggestions please!! That time we just walked away from them both.

Thank you.