Hi, I'm Debbie Schaefer, owner of The Well-Mannered Dog, LLC!

I started training dogs in 1974. In 1987, a local veterinarian suggested the community would benefit from classes geared towards the average pet owner addressing their real-life issues. That was the beginning of The Well-Mannered Dog, LLC, located in Eugene, Oregon.

Certified Pet Dog Trainer

Until recently, consumers did not have an effective way of evaluating a trainers ability. That changed through the organization of The Certification Counsel For Professional Dog Trainers. The certification Counsel For Professional Dog trainers provides testing and certification for trainers to ensure the consumer is receiving training from a qualified professional. All classes offered through The Well-Mannered Dog are taught by a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who has been tested through a nationally recognized dog training organization. The test examines knowledge of pet dog training, learning theory, and handling behavior problems.

I place a high priority on getting to know each client so I can respect each dog and owner as individuals with unique thoughts, values and experiences. I strive to provide dogs and owners with an environment that is friendly, respectful, fun and embraces individuality in order to enhance each owners learning experience.

Training Philosophy

I use dynamic, humane methods that employ the use of operant conditioning, classical conditioning and relationship enhancement education. Owners learn how to motivate your dog using treats, play, social, and environmental rewards instead of constantly correcting it. These programs prohibit techniques that cause pain or fear for the dogs (no choke chains, pinch or shock collars). Many of the training exercises are in the form of games to make training fun. Although owners learn how to train their dog using positive methods, they also learn how to set effective limits and how to humanely change rude behavior.

It is very important that owners enroll in class that will meet their needs and that they are willing to take advice give by an instructor. To ensure compatibility visit a class before you enroll just be sure to leave your dog at home when you visit.

My Accomplishments

Certification:
Certified Pet Dog Trainer (2002 to present)

Professional Memberships:
Association Of Pet Dog Trainers (1998-present)

Certification Counsel For Pet Dog Trainers (2002 to present)

Speaking Engagements:
Popular guest speaker on the Lewis and Bark radio program in Lane County.

Regularly present dog training talks to veterinarians, humane shelters, pet stores and dog related activities.

Speaker at the 2002 Association of Pet Dog Trainers' Conference on getting owners to play with their dog.

Speaker at the September 2004 Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference, in Denver. The topics being covered are "Off-Leash classes" and "How to get owners playing with their dogs."

Volunteer Work:
Humane Society of Cottage Grove, Vice President, Education committee and Pet Therapy Committee (mid 1990's)

Chair of the APDT Member Relations and Services Committee (2000-2002)

Helped Greenhill Humane Society implement temperament-test for shelter dogs.

Continuing Education:
1993 Behavior Rx The Art of Counseling Pet Owners 3 Day Course

1996 Looking At Aggression Seminar presented by John Fisher

2000 Association of Pet Dog Trainers annual conference

2002 Association of Pet Dog Trainers annual conference

2004 Chicken Camp- Discrimination Workshop

2004 Association of Pet Dog Trainers annual conference

2006 Chicken Camp- Cueing and Criteria

2009 Association of Pet Dog Trainers annual conference and Symposium of Fear and Anxiety

Other Biographical Information
I have lived in Lane County since 1986 and love it here. I share my life with my husband, Bruce Schaefer, who is a Licensed Massage Therapist with a thriving practice in Eugene, Oregon. My two children are grown now and living on their own, but a strong family connection still exists. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, gardening and spending time with family and friends.