{"product_id":"book-fetch-train-your-dog-with-fun-and-games-pippa-mattinson","title":"Book: Fetch: Train your Dog with Fun and Games | Pippa Mattinson","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"productView-title\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(70, 86, 89);\"\u003eFetch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(70, 86, 89);\"\u003eTrain your dog with fun and games\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(139, 140, 137);\"\u003eby Pippa Mattinson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(130, 182, 169);\"\u003eThe thoughtful way to teach a retrieve!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eIf you know me, you know I'm not usually a fan of 'fetch' ... why? \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eBecause too often fetch means throw a ball, the dog chases it, the dog brings it back (or doesn't). Repeat for 20 minutes. It looks like exercise, looks like enrichment, but it's often just repetitive chasing that can stress joints and overstimulate the dog's brain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eBut retrieve - taught thoughtfully through games and skill-building - is completely different. And that's what this book teaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(139, 140, 137);\"\u003eWhy this book is different\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003ePippa Mattinson is a serious dog trainer with 30+ years of experience and a zoology degree. She's not promoting mindless ball-throwing. She's teaching retrieve as a \u003cem\u003eskill\u003c\/em\u003e, built through games, with positive reinforcement. When taught properly, retrieve becomes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA tool for focus and connection (your dog learns to work \u003cem\u003ewith\u003c\/em\u003e you, not just chase)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA control mechanism (you can exercise your dog in public, on-leash situations)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA foundation for teaching almost anything else\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMental engagement alongside physical exercise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAn activity that builds confidence and problem-solving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(139, 140, 137);\"\u003eThe difference between fetch and retrieve\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFetch:\u003c\/strong\u003e mindless chasing, repetitive stimulation, joint stress, no real learning involved, prey drive escalation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetrieve:\u003c\/strong\u003e intentional skill-building, focused engagement, controlled exercise, positive reinforcement, teaches working relationship with handler\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThis book teaches the latter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(139, 140, 137);\"\u003eWhat you'll find inside\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStep-by-step games\u003c\/strong\u003e - Pippa breaks retrieve into manageable steps using fun games. You're building the skill, not just throwing a ball\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePositive reinforcement throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e - no discipline, no cross words. Just rewarding your dog for engaging with the game\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorks for any dog\u003c\/strong\u003e - whether your dog naturally retrieves or thinks fetch is ridiculous, the games-based approach makes it accessible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocus and impulse control\u003c\/strong\u003e - as your dog learns retrieve, they learn to focus on you, wait for release, and work within boundaries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublic place training\u003c\/strong\u003e - once your dog understands retrieve, you can exercise them in controlled settings (parks, training grounds) without needing hours of unstructured running\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoundation for everything else\u003c\/strong\u003e - retrieve teaches your dog how to learn and work with you. Those skills transfer to any other training\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePractical progressions\u003c\/strong\u003e - clear guidance on when to increase difficulty, how to vary the game, how to keep it engaging without burnout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor expertise\u003c\/strong\u003e - Pippa founded the UK's national gundog graded training scheme. She knows what she's talking about\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(139, 140, 137);\"\u003eYou should read this is you're ...\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTrainers who want to teach retrieve as a skill (not just ball-throwing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGuardians wanting to exercise their dogs effectively without hour-long walks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGuardians of dogs with high prey drive who need an outlet that builds skills\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePeople training in public places who need control during exercise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAnyone wanting to deepen their dog's engagement and focus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGuardians of puppies and young dogs building foundation skills\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDogs who need mental engagement alongside physical exercise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(139, 140, 137);\"\u003eWhy retrieve training is a fun enrichment activity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eRetrieve, taught through games, is a great way to build a working relationship with your dog. Your dog learns that engaging with you is rewarding, that paying attention to your signals matters, that working together is fun. This is the opposite of mindless exercise;  it's intentional, collaborative, and builds real skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA well-trained retrieve provides both mental and physical engagement. Your dog learns problem-solving, focus, and confidence. That's enrichment, not just tired legs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eA note on fetch and exercise\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eRepetitive fetch games can stress joints, especially in growing puppies and large breeds. High-volume chasing can also escalate prey drive without teaching control. This book's approach - retrieve as a skill-building game with clear progressions - is much safer and more beneficial than mindless ball-throwing. The goal is control, engagement, and learning, not just exhaustion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(139, 140, 137);\"\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePippa Mattinson has 30+ years of training experience and founded the UK's national gundog graded training scheme. She has a degree in zoology and is genuinely passionate about science-based, modern dog training methods. She's written other books including The Happy Puppy Handbook and The Labrador Handbook – books grounded in real expertise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(139, 140, 137);\"\u003eBook details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pippa Mattinson\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ebury Press\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 224\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eISBN:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9781529909173\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublished:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paperback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(139, 140, 137);\"\u003eThe bottom line\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eIf you've ever thought your dog \u003cem\u003eshould\u003c\/em\u003e be able to fetch, or wished you had a tool to exercise your dog without the hour-long walks - this book teaches retrieve the right way. Not as mindless ball-chasing, but as a skill that changes how your dog engages with you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(130, 182, 169);\"\u003eBecause done well, retrieve isn't just exercise. It's a foundation for so much more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"Your Whole Dog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45655253942325,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0145\/8402\/1056\/files\/Fetch-train-your-dog-with-fun-and-games-frontcover.jpg?v=1781923961","url":"https:\/\/yourwholedog.co.nz\/products\/book-fetch-train-your-dog-with-fun-and-games-pippa-mattinson","provider":"Your Whole Dog","version":"1.0","type":"link"}