Some dogs don't like to be petted that much. My 4 year old GSD likes to be petted at his convenience, then he walks away and lies down across the room. My female Dutchie will sit there and be petted all day if you let her. I think it indicates a certain level of independence in the dog.

Dog training is about getting the dog to do what you want him to do. If petting him for praise isn't yielding the results you want him to give, then try something else. It doesn't matter how you reward as long as the dog values it above all else. I am not big on praise-only rewards unless you have a really up-beat dog that just LOOOOVEES it when you praise him. I have 2 such dogs, but they still value a ball over everything else.

I have a dog that dislikes being petted and will pull away if I let him. It drives me crazy

I actually taught him an obedience command that means "stay there and let me (or someone of my choice) pet you and don't pull away!!!) I am so mean. Of course I pet him quite often, but that satisfies my need, he has no need for that type of affection. He looks at me like a 6 year old boy getting kissed and pinched by his grandma in public! Ewwwww gross! This is boring lets DO something.

Despite petting not being rewarding to him, he has good pack drive. Always watching me, wanting to know what we are going to do next. Mostly happy to do what ever is asked of him, looking for direction and approval.

Me being paired with all the fun things of his life (feeding, exersise, working, games, rewards and so on) ensure that this independent fellow still wants to be "my dog", even if he doesn't want to constantly lean up against me and be petted.

I still pet him (but don't over do it) and use heavy verbal praise in obedience. Because I pair it with higher value rewards(to him) such as toys or food, he has come to associate it with doing the "right thing" in the absence of food or toys.