About Us

Maccanine
Macfarlane Canine Services offers the best in Doggy Day Care, Behaviour and Training in Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire.

Operated by Alan & Victoria Macfarlane, a married couple with a genuine compassion towards all animals. They have both grown up with dogs and have based their lives and careers around them. As previous employees of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, they were responsible for the care and training of guide dogs, and for teaching their visually impaired owners.

As well as keeping up to date with current knowledge and practice of dog behaviour, we are also passionate about enhancing dog welfare and the quality of life for dogs and their owners.

When choosing someone to care for your dog or help with their behaviour, whether this is us or someone else, we urge you to listen to your instincts. If you do not feel completely comfortable, then please continue looking until you find the right person; your dog will thank you for it!

Every dog in our care is always treated with kindness, respect and empathy. Please see our testimonials to find out what our clients say about us!
"Totally recommended to anyone wanting the best for their dog or puppy"
(Chris & Pete, Clayton Brook)

Alan Macfarlane MSc, BA (Hons), DipCAS, CertEM, MAPDT, UK 01390

  • Dog Trainer on Hit BBC2 TV Series 'Me And My Dog'
  • Masters Degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour - one of very few specialist courses in the UK, headed by European Veterinary Behaviour expert Professor Daniel Mills
  • Trainer of the UK Guide Dog of the Year 2009
  • Member of UK Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
  • ​Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) Registered Animal Training Instructor
  • Dog Behaviour & Training Advisor for BBC Radio Lancashire & Preston FM (2013-2014)
  • Dog Behaviour Columnist for The Lancashire Evening Post (2013-2014)
  • Undergraduate Diploma in Canine Assistance Studies
  • Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (2005 - 2011)
  • Volunteer for RSPCA (2004)
  • CPD undertaken - attends various dog behaviour and training conferences, workshops and seminars, i.e. APBC, Sian Ryan, Nando Brown, ClickerExpo, Talking Dogs Scentwork, etc.

Victoria Macfarlane

  • City & Guilds qualified in Dog Care & Welfare
  • Dog Care & Welfare Advisor for BBC Radio Lancashire (2013-2014)
  • Teacher to guide dog owners on how to physically health check and groom their dogs
  • Regional co-ordinator of a home-boarding scheme for guide dogs (2007-2012)
  • CPD undertaken - attends various dog behaviour and training conferences, workshops and seminars, i.e. APBC, Ian Dunbar, ClickerExpo, etc.
  • First Aid Qualified
"Alan & Victoria are brilliant. I'd highly recommend the classes"
(Joanne, Fulwood)
Fully Insured
Licensed by Fylde Borough Council
Enhanced CRB Checked
Positive, Reward-Based & Effective Training