socializing working puppies - Page 3

I am also a pro pet trainer, and now have my first working GSD.  We are training in French Ring.  I have also heavily socialized my pup, but what I did was make sure he knew OB and focus on me came before greeting anyone.  I would bring him into busy feed and hardware stores go to the end of an isle and have him Platz.  At first I stood on the leash so he got the point that this is a time to relax.  I always used high end food treats for him too.  Then as people would come up to me asking to pet him I would not release him to visit until he gave me some good eye contact and then I gave them a treat to give him.  The greetings were short and sweet, then we would go and do some Sitz and platz and more long platz at the end of an isle or close to the door.  Worked out well and now I have a very social dog that will platz and stay calm and focused in any envioronment.  I also had to turn some people down for petting as Foenix learned that the 'calm and focus' was a black and white rule.