Major, bad dog: Biden's German Shepherds sent back to Delaware

[soothsayer]

Link to tweet

?s=21

Snip


"The two German Shepherds belonging to President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were returned to the Biden family home in Delaware last week after aggressive behavior at the White House involving Major Biden, two sources with knowledge tell CNN. Major, who was adopted by Biden in November 2018 from a Delaware animal shelter, had what one of the people described as a 'biting incident' with a member of White House security. The exact condition of the victim is unknown, however, the episode was serious enough that the dogs were subsequently moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where they remain," CNN's Kate Bennett reported Monday.

https://www.rawstory.com/joe-biden-dog-2650984243/

[underpants]

1. Damn.

[Nevilledog]

2. Mighta been a leftover Trump lackey

[spooky3]

9. In that case, I wish he would have pissed on him/her

Instead.

I hope the injuries are healed quickly and that the pups will be ok. It has to be difficult in new digs, with all the new people around.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

37. First thing that popped in my head -- must've been a trumper.

[bamagal62]

60. If so, I hope....that's all I'll say.

[onetexan]

101. Yup. Dogs can sense when their owners are in danger

Poor Major prrobably felt threatened and behaved accordingly. He's still a baby of course in dog years

[elleng]

3. ;-(

[mcar]

4. Aww. Pups are going to miss mom and dad

Maybe stress from the move?

[soothsayer]

6. It's the young one. I'm sure they'll get some training and be back

[WA-03 Democrat]

14. ⬆️ This. 3 months of good training for Major

[SheltieLover]

68. That's what I'm thinking

[FSogol]

5. Can we get Biden's dogs onto the Tucker Carlson show?

[magicarpet]

11. Yes,... mist Tucker head to toe with Beef Au Jus Sauce.

Then let both Biden's dogs loose in the room.

[SMC22307]

7. To all of those who asked "where's the cat?"...

this is precisely why a cat should not yet have been introduced. The First Dogs needed time to adapt to their new environment before introducing a cat or baby cat (as #LeviFetterman would say).

[bluedigger]

26. While the mice just loaf around on the government dime?

I don't know about that.

[SMC22307]

95. Heh heh. I feel bad that Champ and Major are back in Delaware...

but maybe a shelter cat is on the horizon!

[Sur Zobra]

90. I can't believe you are blaming

the cat for the dog’s behavior 🙀

[SMC22307]

94. What cat? They haven't adopted a cat yet, as far as I know.

My feeling is that the dogs needed a chance to acclimate to their new environment before introducing a new cat.

[Sur Zobra]

100. They adopted a black cat

Next you’re going to say the black cat brought bad luck to the White House, which caused Major to chomp on someone

[Hassin Bin Sober]

8. It's gotta be tough on the dogs to be thrust in all that activity.

I love German shepherds but don’t know if I would want such a large dog that could be dangerous if not properly trained and socialized. If the dog isn’t raised in that environment it could be a problem.

We were just offered a Shepherd puppy. It was really tempting. But we just said goodbye to our 18 year old girl in December. We are not ready yet.

[woodsprite]

71. We're downsizing on our next pup

We had a beautiful German Shepard/Husky mix rescue who passed away 14 yrs ago at 7yo from lung cancer. We then adopted a 5mo old German Shepard pup from the DE Humane society (where Major came from). She just passed 2 wks ago at almost 14yo of kidney failure and degenerative myelopathy. Both dogs were great with the immediate family, but didn’t like strangers. At a top weight of 84 lbs, Noelle bolted after a raccoon on more than one occasion with me on the other end of the leash. One time I flew off our porch and cracked a couple of ribs after landing on the sidewalk. Another time, I was running to keep up with her to slow her down and tripped over our storm drain curb. I remember as I was falling thinking that it wasn’t going to be good - dislocated my shoulder, broke off the humeral head, and tore my rotator cuff.

It took multiple procedures and over a year of PT to get full range of motion and strength back. At 57/58 yo, we'll be looking at something more Beagle sized in the 25-45 lb range.

[Ahpook]

10. And the rubes will scream

Impeachment. It is coming in..... 3,2,1.

I fucking hate how ironic, moronic, and petty this country has become

[MicaelS]

88. Let's see you get bit by a dog at your job.

And see what your response is then.

[Ahpook]

97. The fuck are you on about?

Is DU a safe place for like minded people to post? I think so!

What is your calamity?

[MicaelS]

99. Pet animals have no place in a professional office setting.

Some people are allergic. Some are fearful.

It is not people’s fault that they are fearful of big dogs and GSD in particular. Lots of people right here on DU say that, and they have an explanation why.

Too many pet owners have a blind spot. They think that because they love and cherish their pet, others should too. The Bidens are at fault for not recognizing this, and getting the dog trained. I feel for the people working in the WH. One should not have be scared of a dog when they go to work.

[renate]

12. Awww, that's sad

It was so fun to see them there.

[soothsayer]

13. I suspect they'll be back

[patricia92243]

15. The Bidens are accustomed to having a dog to love. I'm

sure the dogs will get some schooling and then gradually be brought back into the WH.

[babylonsister]

16. Shepherds are protective; this is sad to read for all involved. nt

[Ms. Toad]

43. I was wondering if that was the issue.

We had shelties growing up - they are extremely protective. We had to be careful when we were playing rough with the neighbors, since our shelties thought the neighbor kids were attacking us.

That would pose a problem if, for example, Secret Service ever had to shove Biden out of harm's way.

[bamagal62]

17. German Shepherds are

Very loyal and protective. It’s probably been a bit threatening to those dogs to have a bunch of people around. And, they sense fear. I’m afraid of them due to stories told to me as a child as my mom was attacked by one when she was little. Her fear transferred to me. And, German shepherds always sense my fear and they don’t like me. But, I know it’s just they sense my uncomfortableness and my fear. They are beautiful dogs. But, I’m terrified of them.

[LisaL]

18. I think all dogs sense when people are afraid of them-and those are the people they love to bite.

NT

[bamagal62]

21. This.

[spooky3]

23. People don't generally fear cats, but some really dislike them. One of

My departed cats picked up on that dislike, and he then would pester that person. Not sure if he was trying to win them over, or to annoy them as much as possible.

[bamagal62]

32. They say cats always go to the ones that don't like them.

But, I’ve read it’s because they refuse to make eye contact with the cat. So the cat thinks they aren’t threatening! Maybe if they just stared them down the cat would choose someone else to go to for attention.

[spooky3]

39. Interesting. The one who did this was the most human-like of

Any pet I had, and smart. He liked attention from anyone who walked in the door. But somehow I think looking him in the eye would have made him even more determined.

It’s been two years, and I still think of him every day.

[bamagal62]

46. My Persian was the same!

I now have a Burmese and she wants attention from anyone she can get attention from! It doesn’t matter who they are.

[spooky3]

65. They are such wonderful creatures.

My attention hog was a Turkish Angora mix.

[bamagal62]

80. Mine has certainly stolen my heart.

[EndlessWire]

86. I've always read

that Burmese are great cats. That's the breed I will get one day.

I had a Bombay cat once. He is my standard for cats. This breed has Burmese in it. He was the sweetest, funnest cat ever. He was incredibly intelligent.

One trait I miss in my current cats is the Burmese trait of enjoying sleeping under the covers. Sometimes you need that, ya know?

[EndlessWire]

84. LOL! n/t

[bamagal62]

29. Our neighbor in Singapore had a GS

And that dog would jump all over and lick my children and she would growl at me. And, I’m an animal person who has always had a cat or two and a dog. But, I won’t have big dogs. Only small ones. That dog knew that.

[EndlessWire]

85. Any dog can bite.

I've had a lot of dogs as part of my family. I prefer large dogs. But, I have never had any dog at all that wasn't trustworthy to not bite.

Imagine my surprise when my small, maltesy-type dog up and bit a visitor on the ankle. He is a feisty terrier who apparently was exercising his right to guard me.

Now, I have a dog with a history of biting. I'll have to warn the vet, and I have to put a sign on my gate, "Guard Dog On Duty." He'll be the one sitting next to the giant husky, who doesn't bite, and would walk off with any intruder who asked her to go.

The worst dog for nipping is apparently the Chihuahua. Around here, the most prevalent homeless dogs are Chis and Pits. I wouldn't have either one of those.

[Ahpook]

38. Yes

I had two Labrador brothers whose brains were in sync.There was only one person they couldn't be around, which was a step brother of mine. They hated that guy, and so did I!

My stepbrother passed out on the living room floor one evening while we were watching movies. One of the dogs walked over and peed on his back.

I've never seen a dog pee on somebody. We've talked about that for ages thinking that isn't marking, but just an F you.

Take that, ya jerk

[bamagal62]

47. Funny.

[Disaffected]

64. I've had several GS dogs

over the years and as far as I can tell, they are pretty much in temperament like any other intelligent dog. Some are protective, some are not. I think it is their size, reputation ("police", "guard" dogs etc.) and appearance that make certain folks fearful or wary of them.

As well as the urban legend aspect of it, similar to pit bulls...

I don't believe it is any more logical to generalize about dogs based on breed any more than people based on skin colour or ethnicity.

[uponit7771]

98. ..👍🏼

[soothsayer]

20. Boo

[Beringia]

25. We had a malamute that was trained out of fake biting (mouthing)

[AKwannabe]

56. The Dog Whisperer

Cesar Chavez often has much success. I am sure there are others.

[bamagal62]

22. Time for a cat at the White House?

[scarletwoman]

24. That's sad. But I must confess, I wish they had a different breed of dog for a White House pet.

Truth is, I'll never trust German Shepherds after having been attacked by one years ago.

It was a dog that knew me, it belonged to some friends of mine. But this one day, as I approached their apartment building for a visit, for some unknown reason the dog bounded out of the front door, teethed bared and growling and ran to attack me so fast I couldn't even register what was happening.

Luckily, I was wearing a long, full hippie skirt (this was about 50 years ago), so his teeth tore into fabric instead of my flesh - and in the next moment my friends had run down the steps to pull the dog back before he could try again.

But it was scarier than hell, and I've never trusted German Shepherds since then. They're beautiful to look at, but I'd prefer to have nothing to do with them.

[LisaL]

28. The dogs were there before Biden became president.

So it's not like Biden picked them to be White House pets. Maybe being in the White House is too much for Major.

[scarletwoman]

44. Huh? They were Biden's pets, and he brought them to the WH when he moved in as president.

All I'm saying is that I wish his dogs were a different breed than German Shepherds.

[bamagal62]

48. That's what happened to my mom. Came out of nowhere.

[scarletwoman]

53. I've heard about that happening to quite a few other folks, too.

I hope your mom wasn't badly injured! I felt like I really got off lucky in my German Shepherd attack experience.

[bamagal62]

58. The dog tore up her back. Her memories

Are not good.

[scarletwoman]

66. Oh how awful! It's no wonder her memories are not good.

And no wonder it's affected you, too.

[dem4decades]

27. I feel bad for the old dog, he deserves better. And i'm speaking as a guy

That has 2 dogs.

[LisaL]

31. Seems like the old dog is not an issue.

I am assuming that Biden send the older one to Delaware so the old and young dog (the bad boy) could be together.

[Shanti Shanti Shanti]

30. Shoulda got labs, alls they want to do is chase ducks and swim

[EndlessWire]

93. Hate to tell ya

But, here recently three labs ganged up on a woman who ended up in the hospital. It just depends on the situation.

I once was walking on the street, and a pack of little, tiny ratlike canines came out and surrounded me. The owners had to come and rescue me. Another time three dogs circled me, and someone came with their car and literally drove them off. Dogs are pack animals. Point is, any dog can act differently when part of a pack.

I once had a Dobie. That dog was the only dog I ever had that would watch planes flying over, in case they landed, I guess. The neighbors told me they would shoot him if he got out. But, that dog was sweeeet, such a good dog. He never threatened to bite anyone. The Dobie fear factor worked well for me.

[Grasswire2]

33. Golden retriever or yellow lab would be mild-mannered. nt

[LisaL]

34. German Shepherds are highly trainable dogs.

Police use them for a reason.

[Grasswire2]

40. But what is the "hoped-for" goal here?

To protect the Bidens? (GSD elicit some apprehension in many people not used to dogs but aware of GSD use as security)

Or to project a friendly, homey, comfortable aura?

[dem4decades]

36. Sad to say I have one I don't trust, for good reason, a GR male

[babylonsister]

51. I have a lab, Bidens love shepherds. If they

changed in mid-stream that would be terrible. They're friends!

[Grasswire2]

57. of course they wouldn't have to change.

Just have a dog that can be in public at any and all time, and dogs that are more sheltered within the family.

I'm trying to remember how the Clinton's managed their dog. Or was it a cat?

[radius777]

72. Clintons had cat and a dog.

Socks the cat first, then later on Buddy a lab.





Poor Buddy was killed in a car accident in Chappaqua.

[Arazi]

35. They can come back as long as Major is leashed

Obviously he can't be trusted to have the run of the place.

So he adjusts and is leash walked, only goes off leash early am and pm when staff and visitors are less, spends more time in the private residence.

It was a lovely few weeks seeing them free to roam. And clearly Champ is trustworthy so let him continue off leash. Major now has to he handled like 95% of all US dogs and be closely supervised and leashed.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

41. Personally, I would love to see a cat or three in the White House.

But the Bidens, or any other President and family, should have the animals they want. Including not having any pets at all.

[soothsayer]

42. I believe they're getting a cat

[bamagal62]

59. Oh, I hope so!

[ismnotwasm]

45. I have a year and a half old GSD

My second dog of the breed. they are smart, loyal and make great family pets. My dog is also a lot of work. Lots of training and lots of energy and she’s a diva. She’s also gorgeous and fun

The Biden dogs are rescues, I don’t know what they’ve been through, what they like or dislike or what triggers them,

I do NOT however, blame the breed.

I’m sure President Biden and Dr. Biden are well aware of what is going on with their animals, and made the best decision for the circumstances.

[bamagal62]

49. Exactly. You can't blame the breed. I know they are wonderful dogs.

But, again, if they sense fear, that are going to react.

[tblue37]

55. Champ came from a breeder. Major was adopted from a rescue, and they had him from puppyhood.

The Bidens fostered Major and then, when he was 10 months old, officially adopted him.

[ismnotwasm]

67. Cool

❤️

[JI7]

50. Why not keep Champ at the WH ?

[LisaL]

52. Bidens got Major to keep Champ more active.

Keeping the dogs separate from each other is going to defeat that purpose.

[bedazzled]

74. i would probably have kept the older dog with me

not so much time left and he is obviously beloved.

[AKwannabe]

54. Major knows that security guard

Is a plant for tRumpers! Lol

(Sarcasm)

[eleny]

61. Press release from Major Biden...

Link to tweet

[Sneederbunk]

62. You can take the dog out of the shelter, but you can't. . . . . . .

[Treefrog]

102. I know you're joking, but seriously, shelter dogs are the best! I've always adopted shelter dogs and

never had a biter.

[ZonkerHarris]

63. I trust the dogs instinct over the security person's character

[bamagal62]

81. I'm proof that's not always the case.

[BootinUp]

69. It made sense to the pooch. The way that

Guy was watching everything with somewhat beady eyes.

[Stinky The Clown]

70. We've had three GSDs over the years.

Major looks just like our Schatz, only smaller. All three were north of 100 lbs, but Schatz went close to 120.

Of the three, there was only one I would feel comfortable would be absolutely safe for visitors. That one was raised from a puppy and the gentlest creature of any sort to ever breathe air. The others were rescues and to say they were screwed up would be an understatement.

If Major is a little too protective or skittish (not the least uncommon in a rescue GSD), I'm not sure they'll be back to the White House.

Rescue GSDs are a real crap shoot. Given the news, I am not confident Major will be around too long, even in Delaware.

Sad.

[DenaliDemocrat]

92. GSDs are generally a mess

Neurotic, health issues, high strung, poor nerves. Such is the curse of becoming “popular” in America. The show breeders are worse than the backyard breeders and many are a mess due to the extreme sloping.

I would only get a GSD from European stock or from a breeder who follows FCI standards. Major probably needs Prozac. I doubt there is much training will fix.

[MustLoveBeagles]

73. That's too bad

I hope they'll be back soon.

[mvd]

75. Aww, sorry to hear that

I am a dog person. I am without one for the first time in my life because it would be too hard to care for right now.

I have seen quite a few very friendly German Shepherds. I hope Biden’s dogs can come back, but I am sure the President will be responsible about that.

I have owned a Cairn Terrier/Westie, Scottish Terrier, Golden Retriever/Akita/Chow mix, and most recently a Goldendoodle. All great dogs and friendly with people with the exception of the Scottish Terrier. The Cairn Terrier/Westie put up with a lot of young kids. Had a couple incidents but only when cornered or threatened.

So I was happy seeing dogs in the WH.

[mahina]

76. That's just so sad. I know the comfort our canine friends can bring her only Joe and chill deserve

All of it.

Sorry to read this.

[MerryBlooms]

77. I despise the headline. Major is NOT a bad dog.

Most likely, Major is a stressed dog, and returning home from the non stop stimulation is the best thing for him. CNN can take that headline and shove up their ass.

[bamagal62]

82. Agree. That's what I said. The amount of new people

Around him was probably very stressful and confusing.

[FelineOverlord]

78. Major, bad dog: Biden's German Shepherds sent back to Delaware

Link to tweet

[JI7]

79. How about hiring some professional Trainers ?

[Raine]

83. I feel bad for the President and for the dogs, they're going to miss each other. ☹ nt

[EndlessWire]

87. As a young vet tech

decades ago, I was bitten by a small poodle-type dog. It bit the living sh*t out of my index finger. I woke up in the middle of the night with the worst pain I had ever felt. He had hit the bone, easy. Crunch.

I have seen infections from cat scratches that put people in the hospital for antibiotics. You have to be careful with any animal and not take it for granted. It's an animal.

Perhaps Major was guarding the Resolute Desk. No matter. If he bites, he has to be removed. What would we say to a Head of State that he might bite? Oops?

I'll be frank. Dogs are in the pound for a reason. There are many worthy dogs that deserve good homes. But, you have to check much more with them than you might have to when you buy a puppy from a breed you can research. And, dogs are always traumatized when they are sent to the pound. Two years is long enough, though.

Yeah, this makes me sad, too. It would be okay to get a third dog, medium sized, from a breed known to be a pushover.

I don't mind paying for the Bidens to fly every weekend to visit their dogs!!

[Demsrule86]

89. We got a mixed breed dog...some setter and maybe black lab from a rescue organization.

She was in a home setting...she had been mistreated by her owner and had the potential to be a fear biter. It took a great deal of time, love and patience. Eventually, she turned out to be a great dog and was beloved by all of us...but boy the ride was not fun. She would chase anything that ran if she got out which I worked very hard to make sure never happened...chased a jogger once and was in puppy prison for a week...we had to pay for it too!

I was so angry with the kids not walking her on a leash while I was at work, I said we would put the dog down. I was FINISHED. Of course that was never happening. So on the last day of quarantine, I arrived at the vet and the nurse was weeping and the doctor seemed very upset too. I assumed they had a very sick animal. I was the only one there.

Nope, turned out they thought I was putting the dog down...when I announced that no, I wasn't. They were very relieved. They has sat their all afternoon without one patient to delay the you know what...never called. That dog could endear herself to you in about 30 seconds if she wanted to. That was her last transgression.

Our next house had a fenced yard. I recommend that if possible. Also, I have rescued other dogs and suggest a second dog in some not all cases. I know , I know. One is hard enough. But doggie companions have a way of helping to heal. Benjie gave Lucky a new lease on life and was his beloved companion into old age. Major needs trainer in the White House and to remain in the family quarters. It may be stressful for him with all that is going on.

[EndlessWire]

96. Bring in a ringer

Who knows what Major looks like? Buy a GS fully trained and substitute him in. Send "Major" to training, and then bring in the double. Easy peasy. Everyone happy. Keep the unsteady Major home in Delaware. No one will know.

The Bidens are kind people. See how they treated their poor dog! Fixed him up fine!

Heh heh heh...