You can also exploit the multi-attack option. Namely, while queuing up more than one attack reduces the damage each strike will do, queuing up an attack followed by a dodge doesn't.
Currently bashing a roc to bits using that trick. It's a lot like the tactic available in DF2012 when facing slower opponents. Strike, backpedal, strike. Except this seems to work against whatever you use it on, UNLESS they dodge your attack and randomly land adjacent to you.