On April 8, 2008, five-year-old Selena Burks was playing in her front yard with several other children when a 125-pound dog violently attacked her.

After the attack, Selena suffered crushed ribs, a punctured lung and a punctured liver.  Witnesses say the heroic efforts of an 11-year-old boy who frightened the dog away possibly spared the girl from suffering further injuries.

Selena had several operations to correct the severe injuries she endured during the attack.  Selena’s case, frighteningly enough, is not unique.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, of the 800,000 dog bite cases every year that require medical attention, half involve children.  Learn how to protect yourself and your kids from being the next victim of a dog attack.

Know Your Breed

Of the reported dog bite cases in the United States, some breeds have been found to be responsible for the bulk of fatal and life-threatening attacks.  Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, huskies, Alaskan malamutes, Dobermans, chows, Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Akitas are the most likely breeds to attack.  However, it’s important to remember that any breed can be potentially dangerous; any dog may attack or kill a person without warning.  Aside from the breed’s likelihood for attacks, abuse, lack of training, and improper treatment by owners are also factors that increase a dog’s propensity for attacks.

Be Wary of Comfort

Over half of all dog bites occur on the dog owner’s property.  77% of biting dogs belong to the victim’s family or friend.  This illustrates the unpredictability of dogs.  Avoid making the mistake that familiarity with a dog implies safety.

Keep Children Safe

Teach your children the following basic safety tips for interacting with dogs:

• Avoid unfamiliar dogs
• Don’t play with dogs unless supervised by an adult
• Don’t scream and run from a dog
• Remain still when approached by an unfamiliar dog
• Don’t disturb a dog while it is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies
• Report a dog bite immediately to an adult

Children are more likely to be the victim of a dog attack than anyone else.  Dog bites pose a greater threat to children than measles, mumps, and whooping cough combined, so teach your children how to treat dogs respectfully in order to avoid possible attacks.

Train Your Dog Well

Neglected dogs are dangerous dogs – don’t be a deadbeat owner.  Properly training your dog will keep your pet happier and your family, friends, and children safer.  Some tips on being a responsible dog owner include:

• Pick the right breed.  If you don’t want an aggressive dog, be sure to do some research on breed characteristics.
• Be cautious of adopting a pet if you have toddlers or small children.  A dog with an aggressive nature is an inappropriate family pet.
• Spaying or neutering your dog may eliminate aggressive behavior.
• Never leave children unattended with dogs.
• Teach your dog submissive behaviors, like sitting, rolling over, and relinquishing food without growling.  Proper socialization makes your dog more docile and obedient.
• Never play aggressive games, like wrestling or tug of war, with your dog.
• Seek professional help if your dog exhibits aggressive tendencies.

Selena Burks is slowly recovering from the operations she endured after the dog attack.  As Selena’s story indicates, prevention is the best key to avoiding dog attacks.  Take extra caution when around dogs, especially if children are playing nearby, to avoid becoming another dog attack victim.