If a dog knocks you down, should you fall on your stomach with your hands outstretched? - briefly
If a dog knocks you down, it is not recommended to fall on your stomach with your hands outstretched. This position can potentially make you more vulnerable and less able to protect your face and vital organs from further injury.
If a dog knocks you down, should you fall on your stomach with your hands outstretched? - in detail
When faced with an aggressive or frightened dog that may knock you down, it is crucial to understand how to position your body for safety and minimize potential harm. The common advice is to fall on your back, not on your stomach with your hands outstretched. Here's why:
Firstly, falling on your back allows you to protect your face and vital organs more effectively. When you fall backward, you can tuck your chin to your chest to shield your neck and throat from potential bites. This position also makes it easier to use your arms and legs to create a barrier between yourself and the dog.
Secondly, falling on your stomach with outstretched hands puts you in a vulnerable position. Your face is exposed, making it more likely for the dog to bite your head or neck. Additionally, having your hands outstretched increases the risk of hand injuries, as dogs can easily grab and shake your limbs.
Moreover, falling on your back helps to reduce the space between you and the ground, which can make you less appealing as a target for the dog. Dogs are generally more attracted to movement and higher profiles, so minimizing these factors can help to de-escalate the situation.
It is also important to note that once you have fallen on your back, you should curl up into a fetal position with your hands covering your ears and neck. This posture makes it difficult for the dog to bite any exposed areas and further reduces your profile, making you less of a target.
In conclusion, if a dog knocks you down, it is advised to fall on your back rather than on your stomach with outstretched hands. This position helps protect vital areas, reduces the risk of hand injuries, and makes you less appealing as a target for the dog.