President Joe Biden gave the American people an update on his dog, Major, who was temporarily moved out of the White House following a biting incident.
While speaking to ABC News' George Stephanopoulos during “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, Biden was asked if “Major is out of the dog house.”
"The answer is yes," Biden said. "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."
White House press secretary Jen Psaki explained that Champ, 13, and Major, 3, are reportedly being cared for by “family friends.”
The President denied that Major was banished to Delaware because of the incident. He clarified that it was a pre-scheduled move and normal for both dogs to return to the home when the First Lady is traveling.
"He was going home. I didn't banish him to home. Jill was going to be away for four days. I was going to be away for two, so we took him home," Biden explained.
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Biden also said a majority of the people at the White House love Major.
"But he turned a corner, there's two people he doesn't know at all, you know, and they move and moves to protect. But he's a sweet dog. Eighty-five percent of the people there love him. All he does is lick them and wag his tail," he noted.
Earlier this month, both of Biden’s German Shepherds were returned to the Biden family home after reports that one of them exhibited aggressive behavior towards a White House staff member.
It was later revealed that Major bit a United States Secret Service Agent.
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Psaki explained that the dogs would return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue soon, however, Biden did not comment on the timeline during his ABC interview.
She explained that the dogs were still settling into their new home and Major "was surprised by an unfamiliar person and reacted in a way that resulted in a minor injury to the individual."
Major was adopted in November 2018 from a Delaware animal shelter. Following his move to the White House, he has reportedly displayed agitated behavior on a few occasions.
The outlet notes his behavior included “jumping, barking, and "charging" at staff and security.”
Biden’s other dog, Champ, is approximately 13 years old and has slowed down due to his age, which has made the transition easier.
The dogs, who officially moved into the White House in January after Biden’s inauguration, are the first dogs to inhabit the building in DC in four years since former President Donald Trump did not have any pets.
Major is also making history as the first shelter dog to take up residence at the White House.
In January, the pups enjoyed a snow day on the White House South Lawn.
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