One unlucky German shepherd is about to swap the White House for the dog house.
Aides to US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said on Monday that Major, a 3-year-old rescue dog, is off for extra training after two biting incidents last month.
Michael LaRosa, a spokesperson for Jill Biden, said the behavioral lessons were "expected to last a few weeks."
The Bidens also have a second German shepherd, 12-year-old Champ, who will remain in the White House.
It is the younger dog that has been causing problems for the presidential couple since they relocated from Delaware in January.
‘Major problems’ at the White House
Last month, the White House confirmed that Major had "nipped" whilst out on a walk.
Staffers also said that a Secret Service official had been injured by Major’s misdemeanors on March 8.
The presidential pooch had a round of training in Biden’s home state the first incident. But it seems to have been to no avail.
Trainers will be trying once more to get Major used to his new life surrounded by aides and Secret Service officers.
On National Pet Day on Sunday, Jill Biden tweeted photos of both of the couple’s dogs with a caption: “Love these two!”
A long canine tradition
It has long been a custom for US presidents to take canines with them to the White House.
But the 45th president of the United States broke that tradition after more than 120 years. Donald Trump said that he wouldn’t have time for walks.
The Obamas kept Bo and Sunny, two Portuguese water dogs, during their two terms in the White House. One of George W. Bush’s three dogs, an English Springer Spaniel named Spot or Spotty, had been born in the White House to George H.W. Bush’s dog, Millie.