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Joe Biden's dog set for extra training after acting up

April 13, 2021

Major, a 3-year-old German shepherd, will be sent away from the White House for remedial training after two biting incidents. The misbehaving canine has already spent time back in Biden's home in Delaware last month.

https://p.dw.com/p/3ruPv
Biden family dog Major sees a tennis ball next to President Joe Biden on the Resolute Desk Thursday, March 4, 2021, in the Oval Office of the White House.
Rescue dog Major has struggled to adapt to his busy new home full of strangersImage: Adam Schultz/White House/ZUMA Wire/picture alliance

One unlucky German shepherd is about to swap the White House for the dog house.

Aides to US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said on Monday that Major, a 3-year-old rescue dog, is off for extra training after two biting incidents last month.

Michael LaRosa, a spokesperson for Jill Biden, said the behavioral lessons were "expected to last a few weeks."

The Bidens also have a second German shepherd, 12-year-old Champ, who will remain in the White House.

Major, seen here on the left, and Champ take a stroll on the South Lawn of the White House.
Major, seen here on the left, and Champ take a stroll on the South Lawn of the White HouseImage: Mandel Ngan/AP/picture alliance

It is the younger dog that has been causing problems for the presidential couple since they relocated from Delaware in January.

'Major problems' at the White House

Last month, the White House confirmed that Major had "nipped" whilst out on a walk.

Staffers also said that a Secret Service official had been injured by Major's misdemeanors on March 8.

The presidential pooch had a round of training in Biden's home state the first incident. But it seems to have been to no avail.

Trainers will be trying once more to get Major used to his new life surrounded by aides and Secret Service officers.

On National Pet Day on Sunday, Jill Biden tweeted photos of both of the couple's dogs with a caption: “Love these two!”

A long canine tradition

Joe Biden in the Oval Office with Champ and Major
Champ and Major are regular visitors to the Oval OfficeImage: ZUMA Wire/imago images

It has long been a custom for US presidents to take canines with them to the White House.

But the 45th president of the United States broke that tradition after more than 120 years. Donald Trump said that he wouldn't have time for walks.

The Obamas kept Bo and Sunny, two Portuguese water dogs, during their two terms in the White House. One of George W. Bush's three dogs, an English Springer Spaniel named Spot or Spotty, had been born in the White House to George H.W. Bush's dog, Millie.

jf/msh (AP, Reuters)