Reducing dog bites starts with kids: Don't hug, tease, touch or run from an unknown pooch

The U.S. Postal Service says there's been a small rise in the number of mail carriers bitten by dogs.

Linda DeCarlo, the agency's manager of safety, says 5,767 postal carriers were attacked last year, up from 5,581 in 2013.

She says Los Angeles had the largest number of attacks, with 74, followed by Houston with 62 and San Diego with 47.

The numbers come as programs were announced Thursday for National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which starts Sunday. Officials unveiled videos and tips on staying safe.

Carriers, children and senior citizens are most vulnerable to bites. Doctors say more than half of the 4.5 million people bitten each year are kids.

The American Veterinary Medical Association urges parents to teach their children how to approach and play with dogs.