The Well Mannered Dog

The Well-Mannered Dog offers a variety of programs tailored to different needs. Group classes cover foundational skills, manners, and advanced real-life applications, often with an online orientation followed by in-person sessions or field trips. The “Chaos To Calmness” program specifically addresses reactivity and fear, starting with online games and support before progressing to in-person group classes.

Private training includes initial behavior assessments and follow-up “Skill Up” appointments, offering personalized plans and one-on-one support. Online courses provide convenient, on-demand instruction through video lessons and resources, covering topics from calmness to polite greetings and house training. All programs emphasize a systematic, game-based approach to build skills and change emotional associations.

Pricing Summary

Chaos To Calmness program is $159 per month. Manners 6-week classes are $132, and single session Manners classes are $37. Online Bestseller Bundles are $35 per month, and the SuperDog Challenge Club is $30 per month. Single Subject Online Courses range from $9 to $137 for lifetime access. Foundation Out and About Deep Dives and Advanced Out And About Deep Dives are $136 per month. Private Initial Behavior Assessment is $91 on Zoom or $116 at your house (within greater Eugene/Springfield area). Skill Up Appointments are the same price. Monthly payments for ongoing programs are automatically applied on the day of the month you joined.

Policies

Cancellation policies vary by program. For monthly programs like Chaos To Calmness and Out and About Deep Dives, clients can cancel anytime by email or through their online hub portal and finish the training they have paid for. For Mischief Managed classes, a 48-hour notice before the first class allows the cost to be applied to a future class; less than 48 hours results in forfeiture of the cost. For private appointments, cancellations or reschedules are only accepted in emergencies and will be rescheduled; non-emergency reschedules are charged the normal hourly rate, and no refunds are given once appointments are scheduled.

The Well-Mannered Dog, LLC, located in Eugene, Oregon, offers dog training services focused on positive reinforcement to help dog owners overcome behavioral challenges and enjoy a harmonious life with their pets. They aim to transform frustrating dog misbehavior into fun companionship.

The business provides a variety of training options including group classes, private consultations, and online courses. They specialize in puppy training, manners, obedience, and addressing reactivity, with a strong emphasis on real-life application of skills. Training takes place in their 9,000-square-foot temperature-controlled facility, in clients’ homes, outdoors, or online.

Their approach is 100% reward-based, ethical, and transformational, avoiding intimidation, pain, or fear. They use games to teach concepts like calmness, self-control, and disengagement, aiming to reshape a dog’s emotional associations and build confidence. Debbie Schaefer, the owner and master trainer, has over 36 years of professional experience and is certified by multiple organizations.

Accomplishments

Debbie Schaefer, the owner and master trainer, has over 36 years of professional dog training experience, having started in 1987. She was one of the first dog trainers in Oregon to become certified in 1993. Her certifications include Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), Fear Free Animal Trainer Certified, Absolute Dogs Professional Dog Trainer Program Certified, and Absolute Dogs Geek Program Certified. Debbie has competed in competition obedience and currently participates in Musical Freestyle.

How to Get Started!

Clients can start by scheduling a free 15-minute phone or Zoom call with a behavior consultant to discuss their needs and determine the best program. Alternatively, for private training, clients can sign up directly for a 60-minute Initial Behavior Assessment, available via Zoom or in-home. For group classes, open enrollment allows clients to start any week, often beginning with an online orientation.