The Doggyland Story

Caroline has been surrounded by animals her entire life, but dogs have always held a special place in her heart. Her deep passion lies in understanding their needs and helping them live the happiest, most fulfilling lives alongside their human families. This passion ultimately led to the creation of Doggyland.

In 2008, Caroline travelled to Thailand to volunteer at a gibbon rescue centre, where she spent six months immersed in hands-on learning and care. Her love for wildlife deepened as she went on to volunteer at the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) in Chiang Mai and later at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT).

In 2010, her journey continued in Indonesia at the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre, where she cared for a wide variety of animals including orangutans, leopards, crocodiles, monkeys, tropical birds, and bears. These experiences enriched her understanding of animal behaviour and welfare, laying the foundation for the compassionate and knowledgeable care she now brings to Doggyland.

In 2011, Caroline was offered a position as Assistant Manager at a dog shelter on Koh Lanta, Thailand, where she spent eight months overseeing the care of more than 30 dogs. She was also responsible for training volunteers to handle and interact with the dogs safely and confidently. This role was both rewarding and challenging, and it marked the beginning of her professional journey with dogs. It was during this time that she discovered working with dogs goes beyond leadership—it’s rooted in mutual trust, respect, and understanding.

In February 2012, Caroline moved to Scotland, where Doggyland Social School was founded. In November 2016, Doggyland relocated to the Sunshine Coast, where it continues to thrive, helping hundreds of dogs and their families each year.

Loki

Loki, a purebred German Shepherd born on July 31, 2017, in Brisbane, holds a special place in Caroline’s life and plays an essential role at Doggyland.

More than just a companion, Loki serves as Caroline’s trusted partner and an invaluable member of the Doggyland team. With an intuitive grasp of canine behaviour, he seamlessly manages interactions within the group, offering calm support to dogs that may be anxious or unsure. His gentle nature and quiet confidence make him a favourite among the dogs, who naturally gravitate toward his reassuring presence.

Loki also has an exceptional ability to recognise when play or interactions between dogs begin to escalate. With natural instinct and calm authority, he steps in and gently intervenes, diffusing tension and guiding the dogs back to more appropriate behaviour. His subtle yet effective corrections are a testament to his remarkable social intelligence and balanced temperament.

Caroline takes great pride in Loki’s unique ability to positively influence those around him. He brings joy not only to her life but also to the lives of many dogs and their families. Loki is far more than an exceptional German Shepherd—he is a living example of the powerful bond between humans and animals.

Qualifications

• 09/2001 to 06/2005 - BSC with Honor in Zoology from Aberdeen University, UK

• 02/2012 to 11/2015 - Diploma with merit in Canine behavior and psychology, UK

• 03/2016 - Certificate of dog training : how to become a professional dog trainer

• 03/2016 - Certificate of dog training : how to work with aggressive dogs

• 04/2016 - Certificate of dog training : Growl class workshop on reactive dogs

• 05/2016 - Certificate of dog training : reliability & games training workshop

• 05/2016 - Certificate of dog training : how to train your dog to walk on a treadmill

• 05/2016 - Certificate of dog training : How to introduce your dog to a new baby​

• 07/2016 - Certificate of dog training : Simple solution to common dog problems

• 07/2016 - Certificate of dog training : Dr. Ian Dunbar SIRIUS dog trainer academy

• 07/2016 - Canine first Aid Course

• 12/2016 - Treatment & Prevention of dog aggression : Biting & Fighting

• 08/2024 - Named the Best Dog Trainer on the Sunshine Coast for the year 2024

• 05/2025 - Named the Best Dog Trainer on the Sunshine Coast for the year 2025