We’re thrilled to welcome Pat Nolan (Retriever From The Pup Up) as our featured guest! Pat will be leading sessions all three days—don’t miss the chance to work with one of the most respected minds in dog training.
What is the FETCH Member Event?
This exclusive, three-day in-person event is designed for retriever trainers of all levels. Through targeted skill-building sessions, hands-on workshops, and focused coaching on advanced marking and blind concepts, you’ll leave equipped with practical strategies to improve your dog’s performance and your effectiveness as a handler.
Special Guest: Pat Nolan
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What to Expect
This one-of-a-kind FETCH member event goes beyond watching dogs run—it’s an immersive, hands-on learning experience. Each session is designed to give you practical experience setting up and running training tests with a clear purpose.
You’ll learn how to:
- Design effective setups to teach specific concepts
- Evaluate whether a setup is working—and why
- Adjust a test based on your retriever’s skill level
- Anticipate how dogs will respond
- Troubleshoot and work through challenges in real time
You won’t just learn what to do—you’ll gain the confidence to apply it when you get home.
This is a "Train-the-Trainer" Event!
This event is all about building your skills as a trainer. The weekend will include a mix of classroom learning, planning exercises, expert-led demos, and field sessions where we put theory into practice.
While we will run only a limited number of dogs, you’ll be actively involved every step of the way—as a planner, problem-solver, and coach. These hands-on roles are designed to deepen your understanding, sharpen your eye, and equip you with the tools to become a more capable, confident trainer in the field.
Your Ticket Includes:
âś… 3 days of hands-on training, expert instruction, and real-time coaching
âś… Breakout groups, planning sessions, and fieldwork designed to sharpen your skills
âś… Live Q&As and access to Kevin and Pat throughout the weekend
âś…Â Meals during the event: lunches, evening fare& cocktails
âś… Bonus: Bring a non-FETCH friend for just $100
You’ll leave with new strategies, deeper understanding—and a stronger network of fellow trainers.
Your Presenters
Kevin Cheff
After dedicating almost three decades to training Retrievers and achieving remarkable success in field trials and National Championships, Kevin's ultimate passion lies in imparting his experience and expertise to fellow trainers, enabling them to achieve their own success.
Kevin has a remarkable knack for explaining training practices and philosophies in a manner that’s easy to comprehend, helping individuals to grasp their relevance within the broader training process.
“I’m delighted to provide my FETCH students with another opportunity to deepen their understanding of training test design, program planning and handling strategies. This event will complement the learning experience that the online platform provides, and help transform you and your training program into an effective training machine.”
Pat Nolan
Pat has a diverse background in training dogs for a variety of purposes, including retriever sports, hunting, television and film commercials, as well as for military and police work.
Through his online and in person courses such as From The Pup Up, Pat teaches us how to maximize our pup’s early learning experiences. He focuses on memory development, self control, skill development, and mental flexibility for the demands of advanced competition.
We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to work directly with Pat, who will facilitate several sessions each day so you can accelerate your retriever's learning and skill development.
Event Highlights
- Puppy Skill Development
- Reward Markers
- E Collar Conditioning
- Confidence in the Water
- Evaluating Blinds
- Deliver the Right Casting Info
- Navigating Danger Zones
- Understanding Reinforcement
- Swim By
- Standards on the Water
- Conceptual Marking
- Marking Drills
Event Location
Rookie Retriever Grounds
4252 Clementa Ave SW. Waverly, Minnesota
Located just 30 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rookie Retriever Grounds is close to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, great dining options and a variety of entertainment.
Event Pricing
General Admission
Price: $495
Includes: access to all training sessions, breakout groups, demos, meals, social events, and live Q&As with Kevin and Pat.
Want to Bring a Friend?
Add a non-FETCH guest for just $100—a great way to share the weekend with a training buddy or spouse.
⚠️ Spots are limited, and this event will sell out. Secure your ticket now to guarantee your place!
Register Now!