We've all heard the cliche, dogs hate mailmen. But how true is that really? For the most part, people view it as a funny stereotype most often seen in cartoons and movies.

However, new information released by the United States Postal Service shows that 6,755 postal employees were bitten by dogs last year, which is a 3% increase from the year before.

Los Angeles was the most dangerous city, followed by Houston, Cleveland, San Diego, and Louisville. These numbers are based off of reports made by workers to local postal service offices.

Postal service spokesman Mark Saunders says it's not really unusual to see high dog attack numbers in metro areas.

"Even good dogs have bad days," US Postal Service Safety Director Linda DeCarlo said in press release. "Dog bite prevention training and continuing education are important to keep pet owners, pets and those who visit homes -- like letter carriers -- happy and healthy."

DeCarlo suggests owners take preventative measures if they know their dog has issues with the mail carrier. Keeping your dog in a separate room when answering the door, and making sure children don't take mail directly from the carrier are both ways to prevent dog attacks. If the family pet thinks their family is being threatened, they're more likely to attack.

If your dog is outside during the day, or the mail carrier feels there could be danger, you may be asked to go pick up your own mail at a local post office.

According to the CDC, 1 in 5 dog bites become infected. That means approximately 1355 postal workers are infected by dog bites each year.

Does your dog have a bad relationship with the mailman?