Understanding pressure

When working with our dogs, it is important that we always are realistic in our expectations in order to  set our dogs up for success. And in order for us to be realistic in our expectations, we need to look at HOW our dogs learn  and what might  interfere in their learning process and their ability to perform successfully when  asked. 
I always highly recommend introducing dogs to new environments to help them develop life skills which are needed for the rest of their life. Getting used to changes in the environment, new stimulus (people, kids, dogs) is essential to any dog's socialization process. However this process requires a training plan and always has to be a positive experience for the dog  or it might backfire...badly!
And this is when I will have my "what is pressure?" conversation with my clients .
 Taking a dog to a new environment, let's say a Home Depot store, is pressure in  itself:  New smells, sounds, activities and stimulus.  
When asking your dog to  perform certain behaviors in this new unfamiliar place, such as sit, down, stay, and so on,  represents an additional  layer of pressure.  
And if you then  also allow people to come and greet your dog, well you just introduced an additional layer of pressure.  Most dogs can handle this and love going new places and meeting new people.  Your main concern in these cases will be to  stay connected mentally with your dog so he is still able to perform the tasks and behaviors you ask of him. So make sure  you have a training plan when going to the store and that your dog understands that " staying calm (sit, lay down, staying calm) will get him everything (treats, interacting with people , and so on) and pushy behavior (pulling, lunges, over excitement) will get him nothing.
But what about the dogs that can't  even handle the change in environment? If you bring your dog  into a store and you can see that your dog is uncomfortable, please find a quiet corner and just hang out with great treats. Reward for focus and just   wait until your dog  is ready to explore.  Be boring. Eventually he will start sniffing around or even just lay down. Reward.
Not until your dog can handle the environment, is he able  to perform  behaviors for you.  And  until he is able to stay calm, focus on you , he should not meet people.  Just wait  introducing the next level of pressure, until your dog is ready for it and can make good decisions. 
This might take you 3 or 10 times to the store before your dog  is calm  and confident enough to handle people greeting him. So be it.  This is what  fair  expectations  are. To understand what your dog is successfully able to  handle in that very moment.  And until then , you are his voice.  I know that means we sometimes have to be "socially rude" and say "No , not right now, we are training" to a person coming over to pet your dog,  when your dog is showing all signs of discomfort. The person might get their ego hurt a bit, and things might be awkward for a few seconds,   but even so, please do it.  You are the one that has to live with your dog the next 13-15 years, so make  good decisions for your dog so he can get the skills he needs to be the best he can be.