* Stay calm and don't run. Running will trigger the dog's prey drive and make it more likely to attack.

* Make yourself look big and loud. Stand up tall, spread your arms and legs, and make eye contact with the dog. Yell or bark at it to scare it.

* If the dog attacks, fight back. Use anything you can find as a weapon, such as a stick, rock, or umbrella. Hit the dog in the nose, eyes, and groin.

* When the dog releases you, run away and seek medical attention.

Why dogs hate postal workers:

There are a few reasons why dogs may be more likely to attack postal workers than other people.

* Postal workers are often strangers to dogs. Dogs are territorial and may view postal workers as a threat to their territory.

* Postal workers carry mailbags, which can be seen as a threat by dogs. Dogs may think that the mailbags contain food or other valuable items.

* Postal workers make frequent stops, which gives dogs a chance to approach them. Dogs that would not normally attack a moving person may be more likely to attack a postal worker who is stopped at a mailbox.