How do you neutralize a dog attacking you?

If a dog is showing signs of aggression, don't look it in the eye as it will take that as a challenge. Don't smile as it could interpret that as you baring your teeth. Instead, stand sideways to it so you present less of a threat. Without making sudden movements, slowly back away and out of the dog's line of sight. If none of this works, and you find yourself in conflict with a dog, you need to make some fast decisions. You shouldn't try to run away from a dog as this triggers their chase instinct. If the dog keeps coming, its primary weapon will be its bite. Do what you can to get something between you and that bite - a stick, a jacket or a rucksack. If possible, though, you should wrap whatever clothing you can around your forearm and offer that to the dog. Once a dog has you in a bite, all bets are off. You want to avoid a ground fight as this leaves you exposed. Instead, you need to quickly neutralise the dog. The best way to do this is to use your body weight and fall on the dog to crush it - a dog's ribs break easily. With your free arm, go for the dog's eyes, or strike at the back of its head, just at the base of its skull. Other tips include covering the dog's head with a coat, which often subdues it, and lifting the dog's hind legs up in the air, which stops it from manoeuvring effectively.