Social School

How Our Program Works

Our Social School is designed to be simple, effective, and enriching for your dog.

By attending once a week—on a day allocated specifically to their group—your dog will be placed in a carefully matched pack that suits their personality, age, and behavioural needs. Each group is unique, allowing us to provide the most beneficial social experience for every individual dog.

As natural pack animals, dogs thrive in the company of other dogs. They learn by observing, imitating, and engaging with their peers. Through structured play and interaction, they gain a deeper understanding of hierarchy, respect, rules, and boundaries—skills that naturally carry over into life at home.

At Doggyland, we believe play is one of the most powerful teaching tools. The more dogs play in a balanced environment, the more they learn—and the better behaved and more respectful they become, both in the pack and within your family.

Skills Your Dog Will Learn in Our Program

At Doggyland, our program is designed to build confident, respectful, and socially aware dogs. During their time with us, your dog will develop essential life skills, including:

  • Reliable recall – Coming when called, even in high-distraction environments.

  • Settling calmly in the car – Learning to sit quietly and travel peacefully.

  • Loose-leash walking – Walking calmly on the lead without barking or lunging at other dogs.

  • Improved social skills – Becoming more confident and relaxed around other dogs.

  • Healthy play habits – Engaging in group play without panicking or becoming a target—especially important for dogs who struggle at dog parks.

  • Polite greetings – Learning that not all dogs want to be approached and how to say hello respectfully.

  • Respecting dominant dogs – Understanding canine body language and adjusting behaviour accordingly.

  • Appropriate vocal behaviour – Avoiding barking at other dogs, which can provoke unwanted reactions.

  • Respect for dogs of all sizes – Learning to interact gently and appropriately with both small and large dogs.

  • Backing off when needed – Reading signs like growling or snarling and responding with appropriate space.

  • Toy manners – Not stealing toys or balls from other dogs.

  • Sharing in play – Playing fetch cooperatively and taking turns with toys.

  • Quick reflexes – Developing the awareness and speed to avoid potential danger, including aggressive dogs or wildlife.

These foundational skills help set your dog up for success—both in social settings and everyday life.

Is Doggyland Right for Your Dog?

Our Dog School is designed to support:

  • Puppies and adolescent dogs (4 to 18 months) who are shy or fearful around other dogs.

  • Puppies and adolescent dogs (4 to 18 months) who become overly excited or reactive when they see other dogs.

We may also be able to accommodate older dogs, depending on their breed and behavioral needs. If you’re unsure whether your dog is a good fit, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re happy to discuss your dog’s specific situation and offer guidance.

Our Mission at Doggyland

At Doggyland, we’re dedicated to helping your dog become a friendly, respectful, and well-balanced companion—free from common behavioural issues.

Dogs are naturally pack animals. They thrive in environments where structure, boundaries, and calm leadership are present. That’s exactly what they experience with us. Through guided socialisation and the support of a well-balanced pack, your dog will learn to interact appropriately, build confidence, and develop into a happy, well-adjusted member of your family.

Let us help bring out the best in your dog—naturally, respectfully, and with heart.

*** Due to the high demand for our program, transport services are currently available only to the following areas:
4551, 4575 & Brightwater & Mountain creek ***
Important Information – Please Read Before Enrolling

To ensure the safety and success of all dogs in our care, please note the following:

  • Our K-9 School is not suitable for dogs with aggression issues or reactivity toward other dogs.

  • This is not a traditional puppy school. For early puppy socialisation and basic training, we recommend speaking with your vet for appropriate puppy school options.

  • We are not an obedience school, and we do not offer classes for owners to attend. Our program is designed as a dog-only social learning experience.

  • Please be aware that our program operates on fixed days and is not flexible. If you require flexible care options, we recommend contacting a dog daycare centre.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us maintain a safe, positive environment for all our canine students.

Doggyland’s Social School is not a traditional dog training class—there are no sessions for owners to attend. Instead, it’s a unique and enriching experience designed just for dogs. Held at our beautiful, private location on the Sunshine Coast, the program runs in the form of fun and structured outings, led by our well-balanced Dog Adventures pack—our canine "teachers" who help guide and support new members.

Social School runs every weekday morning, Monday to Friday. We personally pick up your dog from home, take them out for two hours of learning and play, then drop them back home happy, calm, and content.

We welcome puppies from 4 months of age, depending on breed and temperament. If you’re unsure whether your puppy is ready, we’re happy to discuss their specific needs—just get in touch!

Curious about the impact Doggyland can have? Head over to our Testimonials section to hear from some of our happiest clients. You’ll also find more reviews on Facebook and Google—real stories from real dog lovers whose pups have thrived with us.