Q. When are the classes held?
A. On Saturdays from 10:00 am. - 11:30 am at Mar Vista Park or Palms Park in West Los Angeles.

Q. When can I join the classes?
A. Anytime after your individual registration session. Group training sessions are held on most Saturdays. Click here for the schedule of class dates.

Q. What happens after I register?
A. After your individual registration session, your attendance in the classes is flexible provided that you complete the initial 5 group training sessions within a 12 week period. With this structure, there is no need to feel "locked in" to fixed dates. You attend the classes according to your schedule and the progress your dog is making.

Q. What happens if I need more class sessions after the initial five?
A. In the event you feel your dog needs more class sessions after your 5 class sessions are completed, you may return for additional class sessions at no additional charge (provided there is room in the class).

Q. What is the class size?
A. Class size on any given Saturday is limited to a maximum of about 16 puppies. Rarely is a class that large. For most sessions, average class size is about 12 puppies.

Q. How old should the puppy be before training begins?
A. Owners are strongly encouraged to start as early as 10 weeks of age. Contrary to what your veterinarian might advise, you should not wait until your dog is 6 months of age before starting basic obedience training and socialization. The earlier you begin the better. All breeds are welcomed, incuding small breeds such as Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese puppies, Minature pinschers, and Pomeranians.

Q. Can I begin even if my puppy has not yet received all the necessary shots?
A. In almost all cases, as long as the puppy has received the first shot in a series, this should suffice to ensure protection against Parvovirus. Parvovirus is not an airborne disease. Rather, it can only be contracted through ingestion of the waste of another dog already infected with parvovirus. The chances of this happening during the class are virtually nil.

Q. What training methods are used?
A. A combination of techniques are used. These include physically positioning the puppy into the correct posture, social and verbal praise and, when needed, selective use of food reward. Food reward is not heavily used, however. Modifications to the basic training methods are made on a case-by-case basis and are done based on the temperament of the dog, the progress the dog is making, and the capabilities of the owner. Click here for further description of the training methods used in the classes.

Q. What is the "success rate" of the classes?
A. Very high. Click here to read the comments of previous participants.

Q. How much time will I have to spend working with my puppy between class sessions?
A. Your puppy should be trained between 30-40 min. per day between the weekly sessions. It is desirable to break the training sessions into blocks of 10 - 15 min. As many different people from the same household are encouraged to get involved and attend the class sessions. Children are especially welcomed to participate in the classes.

Q. What qualifications of the instructor?
A. Dr. Polsky possesses a Ph.D. in animal behavior. He certified as an applied animal behaviorist from the Animal Behavior Society. Dr. Polsky has been teaching the puppy classes since 1985. Thousands of puppies constituting many different breeds, both large and small, have been successfully trained.

Q. How does Dr. Polsky's training classes differ from other dog obedience training classes?
A. One important difference is that you and your dog will be treated as an individual, and this is accomplished, in part, by meeting with you and your dog individually prior to your entry into the classes. Subsequently, e-mail follow-up and telephone consultation is generously provided. Second, you will get started with the basic obedience training and behavioral training immediately regardless of the age of your dog, which differs from other programs which offer "starter" enrollments in so-called "kindergarten" programs, and then for an additional fee the obedience comes later with another enrollment at a different "level". This is completely unnecessary and it wastes valuable time in terms of the developmental window when your dog is most receptive to training. In the Head Start program, the vast majority of dogs are ready for basic obedience and socialization in a class situation as early as 10 weeks of age, but if your dog starts the classes and does not appear ready, you can always delay your entry until a later date. The program is customized to meet your needs! Click here for further detail about how the Head Start program compares to others.

Q. How do I enroll?
A. Pre-registration is required! This is necessary to reserve your space in the class. Registration is done in person with your puppy in the office of Dr. Polsky. This give you a chance to meet with your instructor before you join the classes, and Dr. Polsky gets the chance to meet and evaluate your dog. If you'd like to enroll, phone 310-474-3776 to make the necessary arrangements. Sorry, online registration is not an option at this time.