Stop whistle training: the lawn drill

Why it matters

The stop whistle, one sharp pip, is one of the most useful commands a gundog ever learns. Starting it on the lawn at close range, paired with a word the dog already knows, builds a clean and reliable response.

Set up

• Have the whistle on a lanyard around your neck.
• Start with the dog close to you and already sitting.

Run the drill

1. 1Give one sharp pip on the whistle at the same moment you say 'sit'.
2. 2Reward the sit generously with a treat or brief play.
3. 3Repeat a handful of times, then try the pip on its own without the word.

Make it harder

• Give the pip while the dog is walking towards you, not just sitting still.
• Add small distractions such as a dropped toy nearby.
• Increase distance a step at a time before trying it in more open ground.

Common mistakes

• Pipping repeatedly if the dog does not respond: use one clear pip only, then go and reset the dog by hand if needed.
• Practising only when the dog is already calm: build in some movement and mild excitement once the basics are solid.
• Moving to distance too soon: a dog that will not stop at three metres will not stop at thirty.