In recent years, the White House has experienced a series of incidents involving the aggressive behavior of President Biden's dogs. In particular, his German shepherds, Major and Commander, have been involved in multiple biting incidents, causing concern among staff members and the Secret Service.
Major, who was brought to the White House as a puppy alongside President Biden, had a history of biting incidents.[0] Despite undergoing training to address this behavior, Major continued to bite staff members, including members of the Secret Service. Eventually, in December 2021, Major was sent to live in a quieter environment with family friends, as the White House welcomed a new cat and a German shepherd puppy named Commander.[0]
However, it seems that Commander has also exhibited similar aggressive behavior.[1] According to internal Secret Service communications reviewed by The Post, Commander has bitten at least seven people since coming to the White House as a puppy.[1] One of the most serious incidents occurred on Nov. 3, 2022 when Commander bit a Secret Service agent unprovoked, causing wounds that required hospitalization.[1]
The incidents involving Commander have raised concerns about the safety of White House staff members and the effectiveness of the training provided to the dogs.[2] It is clear that the aggressive behavior of these dogs poses a risk to those around them. The Secret Service has expressed frustration, with one agent stating that if Commander was not the President's dog, he would have already been put down.[0]
The issue of aggressive dogs is not unique to the White House. Incidents involving dog bites can occur in any household, and it is important for owners to take responsibility for their pets' behavior. In some cases, it may be necessary to rehome or euthanize a dog that poses a threat to others. However, the laws surrounding these incidents can be outdated and do not always reflect the way people view their pets as members of their family.[3]
In the case of Commander, it is clear that the White House is taking the incidents seriously. The Secret Service and White House Medical have provided treatment to those bitten by the dog, and the decision to release Commander back into the community is being closely reviewed. The safety of both people and animals is a priority, and any decision made will be in the best interest of the community.
Overall, the incidents involving President Biden's dogs highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for effective training and management of aggressive behavior. It is essential for owners to address any signs of aggression in their pets and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of those around them.
0. “Biden's dog Commander keeps biting people.” slate.com, 28 Jul. 2023, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/07/bidens-dog-commander-keeps-biting-people.html
1. “Bidens' dog bit several Secret Service agents | The Spokesman …” www.spokesman.com, 28 Jul. 2023, https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/25/bidens-dog-bit-several-secret-service-agents/
2. “Secret Service: Biden dog would be ‘put down' if not president's pet …” www.washingtonexaminer.com, 28 Jul. 2023, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/washington-secrets/secret-service-biden-dog-would-be-put-down-if-not-presidents-pet
3. “Buckley man given jail after killing, dismembering neighbor's dog …” www.cadillacnews.com, 28 Jul. 2023, https://www.cadillacnews.com/news/buckley-man-given-jail-after-killing-dismembering-neighbors-dog/article_7a87531a-2a3f-11ee-aa7a-b3872c5e2b4c.html
