WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, bit several Secret Service officers after Union the Biden family by the end of 2021, according to records Obtained by the conservative Judicial Watch Foundation.
One of the officers was transported to the hospital after being bitten on the upper arm and thigh in 2022. After that incident, a White House office reported that they believed the German shepherd was up to date on all vaccinations, according to records.
The dog was seen at the White House as recently as last week.
The incidents detailed in the logs, which took place between October 2022 and January 2023, varied in severity.
One bite was characterized in a Secret Service email as a “gentle, friendly bite” that did not break skin or tear a business suit.
Another Secret Service official said in an email: “It appears the dog was playing, but playing can go wrong quickly,” referring to another incident.
In another email, an agent characterized Commander’s behavior as “extremely aggressive” referring to a separate incident.
“Today, while I was posted, he came to attack me,” the email read. “The First Lady was unable to regain control of Commander and he continued to surround me. I think it’s only a matter of time before an agent/officer is attacked or bitten.”
The Commander incidents took place at both the White House and the Wilmington lake house, according to the documents.
In Biden’s first year in the White House, his other dog, Major, was sent to live in Delaware after multiple biting incidents.
Secret Service Communications Chief Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement that the agency takes employee safety “extremely seriously” and employees are encouraged to report work-related incidents to their supervisors.
“As such, we are aware of past incidents involving first family pets and these cases were treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, to include the relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed,” Guglielmi said. “While First Family pets are not cared for or handled by Special Agents and Officers, we continually work with all appropriate entities to minimize adverse impacts in an environment that includes pets.”
The Bidens have partnered with the Secret Service and executive residence staff for “additional leash protocols and training, as well as setting up designated areas for Commander to run and exercise,” according to Elizabeth Alexander, the first lady’s director of communications.
Alexander said the White House is a “unique and often stressful environment for family pets.”
