Dog training is in session in the state of Delaware and Joe Biden’s dog Major has a front-row seat. Following a ‘biting incident’ earlier this month in which the 3-year-old German Shepherd behaved aggressively towards White House security, Major is receiving training in preparation for his return to the White House.
When asked by ABC News' George Stephanopoulos if Major was out of the dog house, Biden said the answer was yes and reassured the world that the protective pooch was not a threat to people. "Major was a rescue pup. Major did not bite someone and penetrate the skin. The dog's being trained now with our trainer at home in Delaware."
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Biden attributed the outburst, which resulted in minor injury to a member of the secret service team, to a difficult adjustment into a new living environment. "You turn a corner, and there's two people you don't know at all," Biden said. "And he moves to protect. But he's a sweet dog. 85% of the people there love him ... All he does is lick them and wag his tail."
While the media have labeled Major’s relocation to Delaware as a banishment, Biden has denied that the move was a punishment and said the temporary move of Major and his brother Champ was down to a scheduling issue. "He was going home," Biden told Stephanopoulos. "I didn't banish him to home. Jill was gonna be away for four days. I was gonna be away for two so we took him home."
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has reassured the public that Major and Champ will return to the White House soon but would not be drawn on the identity of the secret service agent involved in the incident. “Major was surprised by an unfamiliar person and reacted in a way that resulted in a minor injury to the individual, which was handled by the White House Medical Unit with no further treatment needed."
Major is thought to be the first rescue dog to live at the White House and Biden says he’s committed to helping his furry friend feel calm and settled.
To keep up with the adventures of America's First Dogs, follow Champ and Major on Instagram and Twitter for pawsome updates.
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