Commander, a German Shepherd gifted to Joe Biden by his brother James and sister-in-law Sara, arrived at the White House on December 20, 2021.  Commander made his TV debut during Puppy Bowl XVIII on February 13, 2022.

However, Commander soon began exhibiting aggressive behavior. Between October 2022 and July 2023, he reportedly bit or attacked Secret Service agents at least 10 times. An eleventh incident occurred on September 26, 2023, and he also bit White House superintendent Dale Haney earlier that month. Records released by Judicial Watch revealed at least 24 biting incidents.

On October 5, 2023, the White House announced Commander’s removal following these attacks. Governor Kristi Noem later criticized the dog in her autobiography, suggesting he was dangerous.