Well-behaved

adj.calm, kindeveryday

What it means

Acting with the self-control and consideration expected in a particular setting.

Reach for it when describing conduct that is orderly and appropriate without claiming obedience is a moral virtue

The well-behaved dog waited beside the table without begging or blocking the aisle.

playful
an angel
when affectionate exaggeration about easy behavior is clearly welcome
not when Calling someone an angel can feel patronizing and is unsuitable for formal evaluation.
everyday
obedient
when following a legitimate instruction is the narrow fact
not when Obedient can reward submission and should not replace praise for judgment or kindness.
everyday
polite
when manners toward other people are the exact strength
not when Polite does not cover quiet, safe conduct by an animal or child.
warm
respectful
when regard for boundaries and people deserves emphasis
not when Respectful behavior may include principled disagreement rather than easy compliance.
professional
cooperative
when working agreeably with others is the useful behavior
not when Cooperative may involve active help, while well-behaved can mean merely not disrupting.
professional
disciplined
when trained self-control supports reliable conduct
not when Disciplined sounds demanding and can describe habits unrelated to social behavior.
formal
orderly
when absence of disruption matters to the setting
not when Orderly can praise neat sequence without saying anyone acted considerately.
literary
mannerly
when good manners suit a slightly old-fashioned voice
not when Mannerly is rare and focuses on etiquette rather than broader self-control.

well-behaved child
The well-behaved child still felt free to ask why the rule existed.
well-behaved dog
A well-behaved dog stayed close when cyclists passed.
generally well-behaved
The class was generally well-behaved even during the noisy experiment.

For people, especially children, specify the considerate behavior when possible instead of equating goodness with compliance.