“my first instinct was to run for cover,”
As a Dog Person, I can tell you definitively that running from a dog is the best way to encourage an attack. Dogs are prey animals and if you run they think you are prey. Don’t ever run from them. Fall down and ball up, cover your face with your arms for protection, but NEVER, NEVER, NEVER run from a dog.
yes, i know that. that’s why i said “first instinct”. if you’re ever attacked, it’ll be your first instinct too. the desire to put something between you and the dog.
you should never go on the ground during a dog attack either. that’s common sense. falling to the ground and balling up would result in more severe injuries to yourself. stay on your feet. keep your face and neck protected.