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Your aunt may have a good dog without the training, but how many other dogs has she had in her life? Many times the experience of another dog will help you avoid the mistakes a second time around. Does he walk on lead without pulling, doesn't bolt through doors, respects commands given just once, greets people in a friendly manner without jumping and barking. How is he with greeting strange dogs or going in strange places? Sit, stay, down? A reliable come? Can he go to the vet and behave so the vet doens't have to struggle to give a vaccination, take blood or do a physical exam? Can you take away a toy or a treat without getting bit or having the dog growl at you? How about feeding, take away his dish while he's eating? All of these things are taught in puppy and basic classes.
Sorry, as a trainer, I see too many dogs that don't get the right amount of socializing around other people and other dogs. They are nightmares for their owners who have to back track and do a lot more training due to an intial lack of it. My vet loves my dogs because they respect her and are well behaved in any public situation. She constant comments to her other clients when I'm there about being able to work with them without a hassle.
Puppy classes are a must, then a good basic class. If you are wanting to get into agility or anything like that in the future, it's a good thing to start as early as you can.
Check with the local kennel clubs. Lots of time they have inexpensive classes.
And your mother will greatly appreciate a well behaved trained dog, rather then a hell raiser that doesn't respond or even more so, respect your family.
You either pay for it now or later!
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