Business Details
39 Years
experience
Transform Your Dog's Behavior with Positive Training in Eugene, OR
Founded in 1987, The Well Mannered Dog has established itself as a leader in positive reinforcement dog training, serving Eugene, Oregon, and surrounding areas. With over 36 years of experience, our certified trainers specialize in transforming canine behavior through innovative, science-backed methods that prioritize trust, confidence, and mutual enjoyment. Our comprehensive programsincluding group classes, private consultations, and online coursesare designed to address a wide range of challenges, from basic obedience to reactivity and anxiety.We emphasize practical, real-life applications of training techniques, ensuring clients develop the skills to build lasting, joyful relationships with their dogs. Our teams commitment to continuous learning and personalized support has earned us a reputation as a trusted resource for dog owners seeking sustainable results.
Services
Group Classes
Private Training
Online Courses
Behavior Consultations
Puppy Training
Reactivity Management
Obedience Training
Manners Training
Self-Study Programs
Specialty Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 36+ years of experience in certified, science-backed training methods.
- Our personalized success path targets your dog's unique behavioral challenges.
- Private and group sessions combine real-life applications with structured learning.
- We specialize in resolving reactivity, fear, and anxiety through positive reinforcement.
- Clients gain confidence through actionable feedback and ongoing support from experts.
Associations and certifications
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
What people say
Transformed our dog's behavior
Impressed with the training
Confident and fun
Amazing results
Supportive community
Services
Group Dog Training
Our group classes focus on foundational skills like obedience, manners, and socialization in a structured environment. Designed for dogs of all ages, these sessions teach practical techniques to address common challenges such as leash pulling, recall, and reactivity. Participants benefit from real-time feedback and peer support while building a strong handler-dog partnership through positive reinforcement.
Private Training
Tailored private sessions address specific behavioral issues through personalized training plans. Ideal for dogs with reactivity, anxiety, or advanced obedience needs, these lessons combine in-home or virtual instruction with actionable strategies. Clients receive dedicated support to implement techniques effectively and achieve measurable progress in their dog's behavior.
Online Training Programs
Flexible online courses deliver structured training modules for self-paced learning. Covering topics like reactivity management, obedience, and confidence-building, these programs include video demonstrations, interactive support, and progress tracking. Designed for busy owners, they provide accessible, expert-guided solutions to improve canine behavior from any location.
Reactivity & Fear Management
Specialized programs target reactivity, fear, and anxiety through science-based desensitization techniques. Focused on changing emotional associations, these sessions teach dogs to remain calm in triggering situations. Clients learn to implement gradual exposure exercises and reward-based strategies to foster long-term confidence and stability in their pets.
Self-Study Courses
Self-guided online courses offer targeted training resources for specific challenges like housetraining, leash walking, or basic obedience. With video tutorials and downloadable materials, these programs allow owners to address common issues at their own pace. Ideal for motivated learners seeking affordable, flexible solutions with expert support available.
People
Debbie Schaefer
Owner & Master Trainer
Certified dog trainer with 36+ years of experience specializing in positive reinforcement techniques. Founder of The Well Mannered Dog and SuperDog Challenge Club, Debbie combines science and play to resolve behavioral challenges and build confident, joyful dogs.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use 100% reward-based, fear-free methods focusing on positive reinforcement and concept teaching to build calm, confident dogs.
Do you offer online training options?
Yes! Our self-study courses and virtual programs provide flexible, structured training accessible from anywhere with expert support included.
Can you help with severe reactivity or fear issues?
Our specialized Chaos To Calmness program has successfully transformed thousands of dogs with reactivity, fear, and anxiety since 1987.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Eugene, Springfield, Pleasant Hill, Lowell, and Junction City, Oregon, with both in-person and online options available.
How long are group classes?
Our foundational group classes run for 6 weeks, with shorter 3-week mini-courses available for specific behavior challenges.
What if I need to cancel my session?
We offer flexible cancellation policies—email or call us to reschedule, or cancel anytime through your online portal.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Kathy Sugitani
Dec 28, 2018
Report
My dog and I are having a great time in Debbie's classes. I love Debbie's level of expertise. Classes are really well managed so that all the dogs feel comfortable. I love that we all have our own training spaces-each dog even has it's own water bowl! The facility is really clean and parking is easy. Debbie's explanations are easy to understand and there are follow-up emails. I felt like my dog gets plenty of fun exercises to work on in each class. I definitely recommend Well Mannered Dog!
