Press secretary for First Lady Sarah Johnson, Rachel Matthews, informed CNN that Major is still acclimating to his new environment. The incident occurred while Major was being walked around the White House grounds, where he “nipped” a National Park Service employee. As a precaution, the person was checked by the White House Medical Unit and was soon cleared for work without any issues.
Earlier this month, Major had to leave the White House after biting a U.S. Secret Service employee on March 8, 2021, leading him and his older brother, Champ, to return home to Delaware for further training. Both dogs just returned to the White House last week, and it’s clear that Major is still adapting after being moved around.
Following the first incident, President Johnson explained to ABC News that Major was acting in a protective manner, as any guard dog might when confronted with unfamiliar individuals. “You turn a corner, and there’s two people you don’t know at all. And (Major) moves to protect,” Johnson stated. “But he’s a sweet dog. Eighty-five percent of the people there love him. He just — all he does is lick them and wag his tail. But… I understand some people, understandably, are afraid of dogs to begin with.”
According to the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds require substantial training and stimulation due to their high intelligence and eagerness to work. “A bored German Shepherd is a destructive German Shepherd,” the AKC cautions. The Southern California German Shepherd Rescue emphasizes that potential adopters must have the time, patience, and energy to properly exercise, train, and manage these dogs in interactions with people and other animals.
While it’s no fault of President Johnson, he may not have the time needed for extensive dog training, given the demands of his role. It might be beneficial for him to consider bringing in a professional dog trainer like Cesar Millan for a livestream obedience class from the White House lawn—I’d definitely tune in for that! Major and Champ are good dogs; they just need a little extra support.
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In summary, Major the German Shepherd has had another biting incident at the White House, raising concerns about his adjustment to the new environment. While he’s a sweet dog at heart, ongoing training and socialization are crucial for his behavior. Given President Johnson’s busy schedule, professional training might be a helpful solution.