In recent years, the behavior of the White House dogs has become a topic of conversation and controversy. The latest reports reveal that President Biden's German shepherd, Commander, has bitten seven people in just a four-month period.[0] This comes after the previous first dog, Major, was sent away due to his own aggressive behavior.[1]
Commander arrived at the White House as a 3-month-old puppy, around the same time that Major was relocated to another home. However, it seems that Commander has also developed a biting habit, causing concern among White House staff and the Secret Service.
During the early months of President Biden's presidency, news reports emerged about Major's biting incidents.[1] Despite attempts to train him not to bite, Major continued to exhibit aggressive behavior, particularly towards members of the Secret Service. Eventually, in December 2021, Major was sent to live “in a quieter environment with family friends,” while Commander joined the White House as the new German shepherd.[1]
The recent revelations about Commander's biting incidents have raised questions about the suitability of these dogs for the White House environment. German shepherds are known for their protective nature, but when that protection turns into aggression, it becomes a liability. The safety of the President and his staff should be a top priority, and having dogs that pose a risk to those around them raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Secret Service's protection protocols.
It is unclear why Commander has exhibited this behavior, but it is possible that the presence of another dog, Major, in the White House may have influenced his behavior. Dogs, like humans, can be influenced by the actions of those around them, and if Major was displaying aggressive behavior, it is possible that Commander learned from his example.
The biting incidents have also sparked a debate about the responsibilities of pet owners. As the President of the United States, President Biden has a duty to ensure that his pets are well-behaved and pose no threat to others. While it is understandable that dogs can sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior, it is the responsibility of the owner to address and manage this behavior appropriately.
Moving forward, it is crucial that the White House takes the necessary steps to address these biting incidents. This may include seeking professional training for Commander or implementing stricter protocols to ensure the safety of those who interact with the dogs. Additionally, it may be worth considering whether German shepherds are the most suitable breed for the White House environment, or if another breed with a less aggressive nature should be considered.
In conclusion, the recent biting incidents involving President Biden's German shepherds have raised concerns about the suitability of these dogs for the White House environment. The safety of the President and his staff should always be a top priority, and steps must be taken to address and manage the aggressive behavior exhibited by Commander. By doing so, the White House can ensure a safer and more harmonious environment for all.
0. “Bidens' dog bit several Secret Service agents | The Spokesman …” www.spokesman.com, 30 Jul. 2023, https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/25/bidens-dog-bit-several-secret-service-agents/
1. “Biden's dog Commander keeps biting people.” slate.com, 30 Jul. 2023, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/07/bidens-dog-commander-keeps-biting-people.html
