USPS releases dog bite data for Tennessee, nation

How we ranked: Per an agency spokesperson, the state was 19th in the country.

• Nashville only accounted for four of the "dog incidents" reported to the USPS last year.

State of play: The USPS says it trains carriers to make some noise or rattle a fence to alert — but not startle — a dog if they’re entering a yard. They're also told not to pet or feed a pooch.

• But it's still best to keep your dog out of arm's reach.

Pro tip: Don't have a child get your mail as the dog may see the carrier as a threat to the kid.