Commander, President Joe Biden’s German shepherd, has been busted. It seems that no one is above the law—whether human or canine—and justice comes for all eventually. Commander, who has bitten humans at least 11 times, has now been kicked out of the White House. You can only get away with it for so long and no more.
One possible theory why Biden’s German shepherds are biting is that they are stressed by the unfamiliar and hectic environment of the White House. According to celebrity dog trainer Tom Davis, dogs can become anxious and defensive when they are exposed to constant noise, movement and strangers. He suggests that owners should provide their dogs with a calm and consistent routine, as well as positive reinforcement and socialization, something that clearly is not possible in the White House.
The German shepherd has become the second “first dog” to be removed from the White House compound after a series of reported biting incidents, a spokesperson said. Reportedly, he bit a Secret Service officer on Sept. 25, the Washington Post reported last week, citing a Secret Service spokesperson.
“Commander is not presently on the White House campus while next steps are evaluated,” first lady Jill Biden’s spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander said in a statement late Wednesday.
“The president and first lady care deeply about the safety of those who work at the White House and those who protect them every day. They remain grateful for the patience and support of the U.S. Secret Service and all involved, as they continue to work through solutions,” Alexander added.
The White House did not say where the Biden family dog was or what other actions were being taken.
Commander was given to Biden as a puppy in December 2021 and is the president’s third dog at the White House. Another German Shepherd, Major, was sent away at age 3 following several biting incidents and an older shepherd, Champ, died.
Major also bit security staff members despite some rehabilitative training, and was eventually sent to live with friends.
