During two events I went through the options in my head and picked
one, in two other events I immediately went into action drew my Spyderco
in preparation for the worse and blinded the subject with my Surefire.
That ended that incident.  



The incident can be seen here:  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1479005__ARCHIVED_THREAD____There_is_a_reason_I_generally_prefer_Spyderco_Knives_Or_Why_Spyderco_and_Surefire_are_the_best.html&page=1



I don't know why but in the situation with the dogs I drew my Spyderco and lit them up with a light rather than going through options, it was almost like I knew that was the only option so I did what I could.  I suppose it is a good thing that I knew the difference between the events and knowing when to spend a bit more time to think and when to act.