Deborah Lee Schaefer

Deborah Lee Schaefer is the founder of The Well-Mannered Dog, SuperDog Challenge Club and one of Oregon’s first certified professional dog trainers. She has been training professionally since 1987. The idea for The Well-Mannered Dog started when a local veterinarian suggested Debbie’s unique sense of fun while getting dogs to behave would be valued by the committee. With 13 years of experience training and showing dogs, Debbie Schaefer started to offer training classes once a week while raising her kids. The Well-Mannered Dog grew, and in 1993 when certifications for dog trainers became available, Debbie was one of the first dog trainers in Oregon to become certified.

Training Philosophy

Debbie believes that a positive, playful approach using simple games can change the lives of dogs and their people. She brings science and passion to all of her work, which supports dogs of all abilities and temperaments to have focus, self-control and joy. She believes all training can be conducted without intimidation, pain, or fear. Clients are encouraged to use any rewards their dog loves (food, toys, play, social contact, etc.) and are driven to obtain.

Services

The Well-Mannered Dog offers a variety of group, online, and personalized training programs that let dog lovers focus on Manners and Lifeskills, Changing emotional associations, and, yes, dog sports. They offer:

• Puppy Classes: These classes are for puppies 8 to 20 weeks old and cover topics such as house training, nipping, calming, jumping, sit, down, stay, loose leash walking, focus, come, and managing misbehavior.
• Real-Life Deep Dives: These topic-specific workshops offer in-depth instruction to meet your goals. Topics include Loose Leash Walking, Come, Sit, Down, Stay, Calmness, Focus, Polite Greetings, and Play Biting. Advanced students can go on field trips.
• Chaos To Calmness: This program is for dogs that bark or whine repeatedly, get upset with other dogs or people, can't relax enough to eat treats, or have been kicked out of other classes. It includes online training and in-person training for controlled desensitization to other dogs and people.
• Advanced Training: This program takes your training to the next level with fun games, tricks, and agility for fun training. It uses and grows your dog's foundation skills (stay, focus, leash walking, come) and provides exercise and mental stimulation.
• Private Training: This personalized training is perfect for people who want a customized program, one-on-one attention, and expedited learning. Appointments are 45 minutes each and can be held at The Well-Mannered Dog, your house, or online.
• Online Courses: These courses cover every dog training struggle you can think of and include easy-to-follow videos and resources. They are taught by the same high-quality trainers as in-person training but at a more affordable price. You can work through the courses at your own pace and access them on any computer or mobile device.
• SuperDog Challenge Club: This monthly membership program focuses on one skill each month, resulting in faster transformations. It includes online classes, a private Facebook group, and access to videos and handouts.
• Canine Good Citizen Program: This program teaches the skills necessary to pass the beginning and advanced CGC tests. It includes weekly training plans and games, 3-5 classes per month, and access to a private Facebook group.
• Transforming Reactivity: This online course helps you overcome struggles such as barking at everything, jumping on people, getting crazy excited, getting in fights, and biting. It includes strategies you can apply to your real-life and access to a private Facebook community.
• Online Serious Manners and Obedience: This online course offers a clear, self-paced plan in topics such as Stunning Loose Leash Walking, Polite Greetings and Playful Biting, Come Fast and Furious, Boosting Confidence, Beyond The Basics, Calmness, and Fantastic Focus. It includes access to a private Facebook community.
• Calmness: This online course is a deep dive into the concept of calmness and includes lifetime access to the course and a private Facebook community.
• Polite Greetings - Stop Jumping: This online course helps you overcome struggles such as jumping on guests or you, leaping in the air, pawing at people, bouncing for items in your hand, and playfully biting or nipping. It includes lifetime access to the course and a private Facebook community.
• House Training: This online course helps you overcome house training struggles and includes lifetime access to the course.
• Loose Leash Walking: This online course helps you overcome loose leash walking struggles and includes access to a private Facebook community.
• Transforming Reactivity: This online course helps you overcome struggles such as barking at everything, jumping on people, getting crazy excited, getting in fights, and biting. It includes strategies you can apply to your real-life and access to a private Facebook community.

Certifications

Debbie Schaefer is a certified professional dog trainer.

Specializations

Debbie Schaefer specializes in positive reinforcement dog training, including obedience training, puppy training, agility training, and behavior modification. She has a particular interest in helping dogs with fear and reactivity issues.

Training Methods

Debbie Schaefer uses a variety of positive reinforcement training methods, including games-based training, clicker training, and reward-based training. She believes in building a positive relationship with your dog and using humane methods that are free from intimidation, pain, or fear.

Customer Reviews

“Oliver came out of the bathroom with that look that means he stole something out of the trash. I cued him to drop and he dropped a razor blade right into my hand. Thank you for teaching me these life saving skills.”
“Debbie’s teaching style, expertise, and problem solving ideas are so thorough, success is the only option! I am so grateful for all the fun I have been able to have with my 3-time-failed rescue dog because of Debbie.
And now, my 4.5 month old puppy has just graduated his first class too and we can hardly wait for our next class to begin.
Debbie’s classes delivers valuable and consise training information.”
Meg Garbutt, Eugene Oregon
“Today I am very thankful for you, Debbie. This Thanksgiving we opened our home to 3 dogs so their parents could travel. I am so proud of BonBon! She is absolutely the most “well-mannered” of the group!!! She is a calming force in the chaos & that would not be true without your help. Thank you for your patience in training me to guide her.”
Rhonda Winkle, Eugene Oregon
“Debbie,
On behalf of Remmy, we want to thank you for such a great class last night. Since Richard is deeply into training opportunities, I foresee you in our lives for some time!”
Susan, Richard and Remmy, EUGENE OREGON
“This morning, Kúra and I started out on our usual early-morning training walk, full of “games”–
Three houses down, another early riser broke out in a yapping frenzy when he heard us. What did Kúra do? NOTHING! He looked at me, actually, kept his leash loose, and continued our training games. Yayyy!!!!
Thank you, Debbie, for getting us started with Calmness Training and the simple idea that my bark-bark-bark pup needed to learn self-control. In a thousand tiny steps, he has learned lots and lots of self-control, and it’s fun for him and for me. It took him a long time to understand “loose leash” but once he got the idea, he has been able to “throw” that behavior at me as if to say “Look, Ma, I’m here, at your side, ready to play, ready to go!”
“Good Morning Debbie,
The pups and I spent a wonderful time playing and learning yesterday. They stayed in my room last night. I enjoyed having them in the room with me.
Thank you for the life experiences and dedication”
“The Well Mannered Dog training is the BEST!!! Having a number of dogs through the years we’ve gone to several training programs and this has been the very best. Debbie has a broad knowledge of dogs and a very systematic and fun series of skills for us, and our pups to learn. Each step builds on the previous ones to get to the goals of having calm dogs able to interact with people and other dogs as well as go into public places and remain calm. The classes are personalized with her observations of each of us and giving positive and helpful feedback. THANK YOU DEBBIE!!!“
Pat Gildroy, Eugene Oregon
‘The dogs were a lot calmer after just the first class. You covered jumping issues and in three days Tango wasn’t jumping anymore.”
Dave Pemberton, Eugene Oregon
“I was amazed how easily Angel took to the training! She learned easily that if she sits nicely she gets more of what she really wants. ”
Brenda Jetter, Eugene Oregon
“Our toy poodle Henry went through the Well Mannered Dog school about 8 years ago, and we’ve been getting compliments ever since about what a well-behaved dog he is. Thanks, Debbie!”
Carl Best, Eugene Oregon
“Debbie is remarkable. She prioritizes safety, the dogs’ comfort, professionalism, and is so understanding on top of it.
“I have had an incredibly chaotic year, but her methods change training into a lifestyle which ends up becoming second nature, with practice. She’s a phenomenal teacher and her ability to read and understand dogs goes unmatched in my opinion. I couldn’t picture a situation that would stump her; she really does know so much- a true expert in her field.
I have fallen in love with going to classes and seeing other classmates. After only a few months of training (which had been inconsistent at times on my end) both of my dogs are acting significantly different. They have become much calmer and more confident (YAY!!). Her training games work wonders and create a new bond with my dogs that I didn’t know I was missing.
I highly recommend using The Well-Mannered Dog for any training needs. I can’t thank Debbie enough for the improvements we have already seen and I am so happy to keep working with her and my dogs to further their (and my!) progress. I’m a much better dog mom because of Debbie. ?
My Alaskan Malamute began training at the Well Mannered Dog in puppy class when he was 8 weeks old and continued his learning in Serious Self Control. Debbie has immense knowledge of dog psychology and emotions, I’ve learned how to prevent and remedy most “problem” situations other large breed dog owners face.
I’m not the most consistent at training and still I’m often complimented by the vet, friends, and strangers about how well behaved my dog is. We’ve covered many real-life situations and solutions and I have found the training and knowledge invaluable.
Debbie gives very clear, concise instruction mixing both lecture and training games in combination with emails and video for home training. When I’ve had problems or concerns with my dog she has been very responsive and available via phone or email.
I appreciate the high standards and expectations she places on all students.
If you want to learn how to effectively train your dog without using fear or intimidation I highly recommend the Well Mannered Dog.
Daniel Hallock
“Debbie, we are so thankful for you! Before signing up for your class, Crew struggled to control all her excitement and big puppy feelings.
Enrolling in your classes has made a world of difference, especially the Deep Dives!!! Thanks to your Polite Greetings Deep Dive we have a puppy that calmly greets us with tail wags and belly rubs instead of jumping and putting her paws in our face. And we have the tools to build up polite greetings with guests, and it is paying off!! Your classes are amazing, fun for owners AND dogs. Thank you!”
Emma Garner
“It’s incredible to see the learning curve in our sweet girl, and watch her tackle new surroundings with growing ease. We’re able to take her along everywhere because we’ve learned how to help her calm down enough to listen to commands.”
Danielle Ryse and Tully
“Hi Debbie,
Thank you so much for this wonderful course. Monty and I both have loved it!
I have loved all the games but my favorites are the ones that could be used as foundation skills for obedience. I also like the games that work on making me more fun than a horse.
This brings me to how we used the games outside this week. Yesterday, I used Catch Me If You Can and the Mines Better Games and successfully diverted him from barking and fence-chasing a person on horseback. (which he has a history of doing). And this morning, while on a walk, I successfully diverted him from a sniff that was going on forever! “
Deb Kerns and “Monty” Corvallis Oregon
“I am emailing you is to tell you how much Wally and I enjoyed the online Indoor Games to Tire Out your Dog course!
The course really was a godsend! Not only did it increase the bond between Wally and me but kept his overactive mind occupied learning some new skills and provided great exercise during some drizzly cold days!
We will definitely be continuing to play these games! I also really enjoyed the format of the course on format and Facebook page!
Your replies to our concerns and questions were always “spot on”! Thank you so much for providing this class as a winter treat.“
Rhonda Farfan and “Wally” Pleasant Hill Oregon
I’ve been impressed with how readily you reach out, offering fun tips and resources.
Having a dog who is afraid to go on a walk, this class has provided oodles of different games to play for motivation, exercise, mental stimulation, and just plain good times between her and me.
I’ve been impressed with how readily you have “met the moment” with all you offer.
There’s been so much information and camaraderie.
I’ve seen my dog’s confidence and joy come back, which means so much to me.
Jenny Root and “Mischka” Eugene Oregon
“Thanks Debbie for a fun month, we really enjoyed this one and look forward to keeping up our walks as the Spring weather gets closer.
Baxter
We are already loving the SuperDog Challenge Club!
Thank you for the Zoom classes. We appreciate your expertise and feedback on how we are doing! The training techniques are so helpful and why Luke and I love being part of this class.
We also love there’s no judgment, you’re so positive, it’s fun, and seeing Hooley in action, she’s just amazing!
Nancy Meyer
Luke
Moose & I have enjoyed the special events/challenges and look forward to the next one. To this day he gets all excited and whines when we go past Oakway mall. It’s awesome to share & be able to cheer each other on! Thank you Debbie for the fun & the forum
Pamela Howells
Moose
Thanks Debbie for organizing and to all the participants. Lulu is always ready to go – rain, shine, cold, whatever the weather throws at us.
Its been motivating for me.
Dawn Branham
Tallulah
“Not a day goes by that we are not grateful that we took this journey with Debbie. Because of her classes, we have a well-adjusted, 90-pound dog that walks on a loose leash, comes when called and has great manners. Thank you so much Debbie.”
“Great class training and take-home lessons. Debbie brings fun and positive techniques to teach you and your dog proper behavior and good manners. She provides detailed handouts on how to work with your dog at home. Our 5-month-old golden retriever took to the lessons quickly and had a blast learning in class and at home. We are all much happier as a result of taking our first class and just signed up for our second.”
Dennis Powers, Springfield Oregon
Debbie, a quick note to let you know our puppy Lucy was a shining star during the long holidays. She was incredible! Thank you for investing so much of your self into our training.
The Lyons Family, Lowell Oregon