Free download
Gundog whistle commands
Most UK gundog trainers use the same few signals on a 210.5 whistle. Get everyone in the house using the same ones and your dog learns twice as fast. Print this page and stick it on the fridge.
| Signal | Means | What the dog does |
|---|---|---|
| One short pip | Stop (sit) | Dog stops, sits and looks at you for the next instruction. The most important whistle you will teach. Drill |
| Series of quick pips (pip pip pip) | Recall | Come straight back to you. Pair it with your voice recall until it is automatic. Drill |
| Two short pips | Turn | Spaniels and HPRs: change direction while quartering. Many handlers use it to keep the dog in range. Drill |
| Arm out left or right after a stop | Left or right cast | Send the dog sideways towards an unseen retrieve. Drill |
| Arm raised, step forward, 'back' | Back cast | Send the dog further out, straight away from you. Drill |
| Voice: 'hi lost' | Hunt here | Tells the dog it is in the area and to use its nose. Drill |
Signals vary a little between trainers. If you already train with someone, use theirs. Consistency matters more than which pip means what.
Now put it to work
One whistle drill a week, matched to your dog. Free.