
Cantan’s Field & Focus

Better Humans Better Dogs
With over three decades of experience working with dogs across diverse environments – from the Norfolk countryside to the Austrian mountains and South African bush – we bring a depth of understanding that goes beyond basic training. Our philosophy centres on building strong bonds through clear communication and confident leadership, helping you create a deeper connection with your dog.
Dog Psychology & Behavioural Coaching
My approach focuses on educating owners about their dog’s psychology while coaching them to become the confident, calm leaders their pets need.
Gun Dog Training for All Levels
Gun dog training develops an exceptional bond between handler and dog through precise commands and focused leadership.
Group Sessions & Social Walks
These sessions create a supportive community where both dogs and owners can learn, grow, and build confidence together.

General Obedience & Training
Our general obedience training helps polish your dog’s skills and address those small but important areas that need improvement.
TV & Film Preparation
Whether your goal is commercial work, or feature films, we’ll help prepare your dog for the exciting world of professional entertainment.
Breeding Consultations
We focus on building your confidence and knowledge, preparing you for every stage of this exciting journey.
Virtual Training, Coaching & Consultations
Our virtual sessions provide comprehensive education and coaching, giving you the knowledge and tools to become the leader your dog needs.

About
About Cantan’s Field & Focus
I’m Mikey Cantan, and my journey with animals began on a quiet farm in Norfolk, where I spent my childhood alongside my beloved Flat-Coated Retriever, Storm. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a natural ability to connect with animals – a gift that can’t be taught, but rather comes from within.
My approach to training is rooted in understanding how dogs think and communicate, focusing on building trust and leadership through clear, calm guidance. This method has been refined through years of practical experience across different cultures and working environments.

Changing Lives

Changing Lives of Clients & Their Dogs
We have had Mikey help us to train Barney, our French Bulldog, as Barney reacted to other dogs both at home and on walks. The one-on-one sessions proved invaluable. Confidence and respect approach has transformed Barney’s behaviour. It was our first dog and so we have learnt so much which Mikey and with sessions alongside Digby. We now enjoy walks without Barney reacting and being in public spaces is much easier to handle. Thank you, Mikey – we recommend him wholeheartedly.
I would 100% recommend Mikey, he has been helping me with my dog who has been reactive to noises of any kind, also anxious when in the car. With his expertise and advice, I’ve noticed a difference in a short time. Going for walks are more enjoyable now for both me and my dog.
Couldn’t recommend Mikey enough! I recently had some 1-2-1 training sessions and the difference in my 10-month-old lab has been massive. Mikey’s extensive knowledge of dog behaviour and training is truly impressive!Would highly recommend Mikey for anyone looking for any dog training!
My recent consultation with Mikey was so helpful and really helped us get off to a great start with our new puppy. From day one he has slept in his crate at night, with minimal night waking – thanks to Mikey’s advice our pup settled in very quickly. He gave me confidence and a great toolkit of advice which as a first-time dog owner, has been invaluable. And it’s also reassuring to know we can ask for advice when picking up supplies. Thank you!
Can’t recommend Mikey enough.
Incredibly informative and confident, making training your dog both easy and enjoyable.
You can see that he loves his dog clients and teaches their humans how to interact and lead their pet. Our dog loves him, and he helped us as a family build a bone when rehoming our lab, Enzo.
Mikey at Animal Crackers has been fantastic. He has helped to no end with the training of my puppy! His 1-2-1 sessions have been really insightful and functional. Mikey has shown me how to communicate with my dog in a way the dog understands, and leap over some huge hurdles with surprising ease.Can’t thank Mikey enough and I will continue further training with him as my dog grows up! It’s well worth it!
Alongside the training, the shop is awesome. It’s well stocked, has some quality gear and food and Mikey always answers any questions I have! Thank you!
I can’t thank Mikey enough for helping me with my four-year-old cockatoo. I was at the end of my tether and very anxious about his behaviour. I felt like I tried everything but I had been given and read a lot of confusing and incorrect information regarding training. After one session I could tell it was going to be hugely beneficial for myself and my dog fast forward a few weeks later and I feel like I have a different dog, and now I have a confidence to give my dog the life he deserves without feeling anxious. I highly recommend Mikey if you have any problems that you may feel can’t be solved don’t be embarrassed make the call as you won’t regret it. Thank you for being so helpful and making everything so much better for me and my beloved dog.
Thanks so much Mikey, our spaniel was stubborn, a fussy eater and difficult to manage off lead sometimes. your training sessions have helped us all overcome that and you have helped me understand where I was going wrong.We are all much happier as a result! highly recommend your 1-2-1 sessions.
Mikey was recommended by a friend who had done some training sessions with him. We had an issue with our younger dog being anxious and barking at my Husband and various other random things. Mikey helped me to understand that the problem was mostly mine and I was communicating that to her. We have had 4 sessions and have built both of our confidence. The barking has reduced drastically and she is more confident and more relaxed.
Mikey has quickly picked up the problem and given us the tools to deal with it. We will be booking some more sessions over the next few months just to hone my skills and make sure we continue to build our confidence.
After wandering in one day last year and mentioning that I was thinking about trying gun dog training with my spaniel, I have been training with Mikey. I can honestly say it has completely changed my relationship with my dog and all for the better! No treats required, my dog wants to work for me now and it’s such a privilege and pleasure to see him using the instincts he was born with in the right way. I needed more training than the dog!
When I met Mikey I was struggling with my dog’s very strong prey drive and getting him to work with and focus on me when out and about. My bond with my dog is now better than ever. Most importantly he is getting what he needs from me and I feel more confident.
I’m so excited to continue our training and see what the future holds for us. Mikey has honed in on his potential and brought out the best in both of us. Thank you!
Puppy Blues are gone!I was at my Witt’s end, my puppy was more like a Kite when out walking and it wasn’t a pleasant experience, I just wasn’t looking forward to walking anymore.
I came across a Post from Animal crackers and contacted Mikey… from the first session I could see the improvement! he can keep all 4 paws on the floor and walk nicely! we had a few sessions with just the Puppy and then added my 2 adult dogs into the mix and I can now walk them all together
confidently and more importantly it’s an enjoyable experience! yes, we still have work to do as he’s become a rebellious teenager, but I now have the tools to cope with it.
I can highly recommend Mikey to assist you and give you the tools to work with your dog to better your lives together.
I will be back in contact as the Puppy grows up for more sessions if needed
The Transformation of a Reactive DogIn a world where the internet is saturated with dog training advice, finding the right path for a reactive dog can be overwhelming. This was the case for me, faced with a dog whose behaviour made walks a stressful endeavour. He would pull on the lead, react unpredictably to other dogs, leaving me feeling helpless amidst the sea of online trainers.
After trying various methods, I stumbled upon an advert for training with Mikey from Animal Crackers. Mikey’s approach was different; he focused on understanding my dog’s behaviour from a holistic perspective. He recognised the reactivity was not just a training issue but also an emotional one between dog and owner.
We had 8 1-1 training sessions, and the transformation was remarkable. Walks that were once filled with anxiety and stress became calm and enjoyable. The confusion of online advice faded away as Mikey’s clear and tailored guidance proved effective, and it was noticeable in my daily step count having more than tripled.
The journey from a reactive dog to a calm companion is a success story that highlights the importance of personalised training and the profound impact it can have on both the dog and the owner’s life. I highly recommend Mikey and Animal Crackers.
Mikey has been an absolute god send. I have a reactive Labrador and believe me I have tried a few trainers in the local area who have all been lovely but working with Mikey has made the most different for Lola and I.I can now happily walk past another dog in the street with Lola calmly without her wanting to try and eat them, don’t get me wrong she’s not always perfect but with the techniques and with everything Mikey has taught me it’s so much easier than it was at the beginning of the year.
If you are looking for a behaviourist and feel like you are at your wits end with your dog, PLEASE reach out to Mikey you won’t regret it!
I cannot thank Mikey enough for everything
Also, amazing selection of treats in the shop too, especially the peanut butter rolls!
I can’t recommend Mikey enough. What a difference a great dog trainer makes! I really struggled with my little Inka when we first got her, I was at breaking point when my sister reached out to Mikey and introduced me. I am so grateful for the sessions which changed my outlook and taught me how to deal with training Inka. Suddenly it felt manageable and I could cope again and started to enjoy my puppy and with each session we learnt more as a family and Inka learnt how to listen and behave.Mikey really understands dog psychology and also human behaviour which is the combination we needed as a family with a new puppy.
THANK YOU so so much for everything you’ve taught us – You’re the best!!
Every journey begins with understanding – understanding your goals, your dog’s needs, and the unique dynamic between you. Whether you choose one-to-one sessions, group training, or virtual consultations, we’re here to guide you toward a more rewarding relationship with your dog.
Explore our services to discover how we can help you and your companion achieve your full potential together.