[InitialLastName]

> Although I've always felt that puts me in a vulnerable position.

If you squat or kneel, you are more stable, facing forward, have your arms in a position where they can manipulate something in front of you (i.e. to defend yourself), and your legs as the forward-most part of your body. If you bow, your torso is off-center of your feet, your center of gravity stays high, your head and face are the most exposed part of your body, and your arms are angled to manipulate something below you.

If an attacking dog gets into a position where your arms can deflect it while bowing, your groin, legs and torso are already in trouble.