Newly released Secret Service documents have shed light on a series of incidents involving the Biden family's German Shepherd, Commander, biting Secret Service agents multiple times. The reports indicate that Commander has bitten agents at least two dozen times, resulting in injuries such as a chest bite and a severe open wound on an agent's forearm requiring six stitches.
One email from October 2022 expressed concerns about Commander's escalating behavior and the potential for further incidents. The reports suggest that Commander's overprotective nature, common among German Shepherds due to their guarding instincts, may have contributed to these aggressive behaviors.
Experts, including certified professional dog trainers, have weighed in on the situation, highlighting the impact of Commander's environment on his behavior. They point out that the high-stress environment of the White House, with its constant activity and influx of people, could have exacerbated Commander's stress levels, leading to the biting incidents.
In response to these incidents, Commander has been relocated to live with other family members since the fall. However, experts caution that simply changing environments may not address the underlying issues causing Commander's behavior. They emphasize the need for specialized care and training to help Commander overcome his aggressive tendencies.
While there is no guarantee that Commander can be trained to stop biting after multiple incidents, experts stress the importance of addressing his unmet needs and providing the necessary support to prevent future incidents. They also highlight the shared responsibility of pet owners to address concerning behaviors in their pets, as outlined in the so-called 'one bite rule.'
Overall, the focus remains on providing Commander with the help and care he needs to address his behavior and ensure the safety of those around him. Experts emphasize that with the right interventions and support, there is hope for positive behavioral changes in Commander, despite his history of biting incidents.
