Commander, President Joe Biden’s dog, has garnered significant attention recently due to a common issue that unfortunately many dog owners can relate to: reactivity and biting. The 2-year-old German shepherd joined the Bidens at the White House as a puppy in 2021, but has since bitten multiple Secret Service agents, totaling 11 bites. One incident resulted in an officer being hospitalized after Commander bit his arm and thigh. Last week, a spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden stated that Commander was relocated out of the White House while next steps are being considered.
While most of us don’t have famous dogs residing in the White House, having a dog that bites is unfortunately not uncommon, even if it’s a familiar dog that has never bitten us before.
Dr. Cherese Sullivan, a veterinarian at Houston’s Skyline Animal Hospital, stated that one common mistake dog owners make is assuming that a dog they have seen or interacted with before will always interact with them in the same way.
In the United States, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and in the most severe cases, these bites can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 43 people die from dog bites annually. This is why biting is a behavior that should never be ignored.
Nick White, a former Secret Service agent and owner of Off Leash K9 Training, emphasized that no behavioral issue in a dog will improve on its own. Many people wait for the problem to resolve itself, thinking that a biting incident was simply a one-time occurrence. However, the behavior often worsens over time, as demonstrated by Commander’s case.
To determine the cause of reactive behavior leading to biting, it’s important to identify the triggers. New surroundings or unfamiliar people are common reasons. While the dog’s reaction may seem random to the owner, it is often connected to environmental stressors that make the dog feel startled, scared, or in need of territorial defense.
In some cases, dogs may bite because they feel threatened or want to protect something valuable to them. These scenarios could potentially explain the Secret Service agents’ experiences, depending on their relationship with Commander.
Stress can also be a significant factor in biting incidents. Dr. Blake Hardin, a veterinarian at pet telehealth company Dutch, mentioned that the constant traffic, various people, and loudness in the White House can create anxiety in dogs like Commander. The White House environment poses numerous distractions and witnesses the constant influx of hundreds of people. This makes it challenging for a dog that hasn’t undergone desensitization and confidence-building training.
According to White, the reason Commander bit multiple Secret Service agents might simply be due to the large number of personnel present throughout the White House. Socialization also plays a significant role. Exposing dogs to different people and situations during their critical period between eight to 20 weeks old is crucial. This early socialization helps them develop positive associations with humans.
White emphasized that a lack of socialization during a dog’s impressionable puppy phase is often responsible for aggressive behavior. However, it’s never too late to provide training and address reactive behavior, even if the socialization window has been missed. White suggested a positive-association exercise where under-socialized dogs are exposed to various people and environments and rewarded each time. This helps them associate potentially stressful situations with positive outcomes and builds their confidence.
Illness or injury may also cause dogs to bite. Sometimes, dogs bite as a way to express that they are in pain. Hardin advised that if an animal naturally pulls away or nips when touched, it could be indicating discomfort. Hormonal changes can also contribute to increased reactivity. Sullivan mentioned that dogs reach sexual maturity at a certain age, which can lead to episodes of aggression.
Another factor to consider is the breed’s personality and genetic predisposition. Certain breeds may have specific triggers. It’s important for owners to choose a dog breed that suits their lifestyle. If a working dog is not able to fulfill its purpose in life, it can create anxiety and restlessness, potentially leading to biting. For example, Australian shepherds are hardwired to herd sheep and need regular exercise. Hardin shared that he has treated Australian shepherds who developed reactive behavior after being confined to apartments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing more exercise and mental stimulation, such as puzzle-solving for treats, can help alleviate restlessness and reduce the risk of biting.
Addressing this issue can be done in various ways. In some cases, dogs with anxiety or reactivity may benefit from full-time medication alongside behavior modification and training. Hardin emphasized that for animals fighting physiological mechanisms, medication may be necessary to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Commitment to these approaches will likely result in improvement.
However, knowing when it’s necessary to escalate the situation and re-home the pet or change the environment, as done with Commander, is also crucial in addressing repeated biting behavior. Ignoring this behavior can be detrimental, especially when children are present. Sullivan expressed caution about keeping dogs that bite children in a household. Consulting with a veterinarian is always best, and in extreme cases or if there are medical issues affecting the dog’s quality of life, euthanasia may be discussed.
Ultimately, it is the owner’s commitment to helping their dog that is most important. White highlighted that re-homing a dog doesn’t automatically solve the problem. It’s the new owner’s responsibility to address the dog’s aggression issues seriously and provide appropriate training. With dedication and proper training, a dog’s genetic predispositions can be overridden, resulting in a well-behaved and confident companion.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
