The U.S. Postal Service says 11 letter carriers were bitten by dogs in Las Vegas last year, and this month postal workers are asking local residents to take extra care when mail arrives.

June is USPS Dog Bite Awareness Month, and reports Fox5 Las Vegas, southwest Las Vegas carriers are using the campaign to remind dog owners to secure their pets before opening the door for a delivery or signature.

City carrier Candace Smith said the concern is especially high when children are outside or when a signature is required. “Dogs are very territorial,” Smith said.

“We would like to remind our customers to please never encourage their children to come out and get the mail from us when their dogs are present.”

Smith explained that dogs may interpret a child approaching a carrier as a threat and react protectively.

Carriers are trained to spot warning signs before entering a property, including “beware of dog” signs, food bowls, and toys in the yard.

Letter carriers also jingle their keys when approaching so that dogs reveal themselves before a confrontation can escalate.

If a dog does charge, carriers are trained to use their mail satchel as a shield and carry repellent as a last resort.

The reminder applies to all delivery situations, not just front-door drops. Dog owners should make sure gates are latched and dogs are indoors or secured any time a carrier may be on the property.