🐾 What’s That Sound? Making Sense of Whistle Cues in Gundog Training
Sue Watkins 
Clear whistle cues = clearer communication. Here’s how to make sure your gundog knows what every peep, pip and "twit woo" means.
Why Use a Whistle at All?
Ever tried shouting “come back!” into a stiff wind while your spaniel joyfully ignores you? Or whispering “sit” while your Labrador charges ahead on a scent? Yeah... it doesn’t work.
Whistles cut through wind, excitement, and distance. They’re consistent, emotion-free, and don’t lose clarity when you’re puffed out or frustrated. Dogs can learn to respond to them reliably — and quickly — when trained well.
Our Cue System
Let’s keep it simple. Here’s the cue system we use at Connected Canines:
🔸 One long blast — Sit / Stop
Your dog should stop moving and sit (or at least pause and look to you). This is your emergency brake. Handy for when they’re about to head somewhere they shouldn’t.
🔸 Two short pips — Change direction
Useful for casting, hunting patterns, or just helping your dog sweep a new area. It’s a nudge, not a recall.
🔸 Three or more short pips — Recall
Basically: “Oi! Back to me now please!” It’s the excited, upbeat cue you want to load with all the best rewards. You can make it fun and enthusiastic.
🔸 “Twit woo” sound (or voice if you prefer) — Hunt / Find it
This is the cue we use to tell the dog it’s time to put their nose to work. Once they’re in the right area, this lets them know they’ve got permission to really get stuck in.
Consistency is Everything
The actual cues don’t matter as much as using them consistently. If you use a different cue each time your dog goes out, they’ll be as confused as you are when you forget where you parked the car. So whatever cues you choose — commit, repeat, and reward well.
Also, make sure your whistle cue doesn’t mean five different things. One long pip should always mean “sit,” not “maybe stop... or maybe come here... or maybe go left.”
Tips for Teaching Each Cue
✅ Start in a quiet space — don’t expect your dog to respond perfectly in a field of pheasants if they haven’t nailed it in the garden.
✅ Pair the whistle with the action — For recall, begin by calling your dog’s name and encouraging them towards you. As they start moving, blow your recall cue (e.g. three short pips). Over time, they’ll link the whistle sound with the action of returning to you.
✅ Reward well — Whether it’s food, a toy, or access to the next retrieve, make sure your dog sees value in responding.
✅ Practice each cue in isolation — If you work on recall and stop cues in the same session early on, it might all become a bit muddled.
Whistle Training Isn’t Just for the Field
Even if you never plan to set foot on a shoot, whistle cues can be brilliant for pet gundogs. They give you clear communication tools, help your dog listen around distractions, and keep training upbeat and consistent.
Whether you’ve got a turbo spaniel, a thoughtful HPR, or a cheeky golden retriever (Griff, I’m looking at you), whistle cues help everyone stay connected — even at a distance.
Need Help?
If you're not sure where to start or want help making sure your cues are crystal clear, why not book a session with me? We’ll get those peeps, pips, and twit-woos working in harmony.
📍 Group and 1:1 training available
🐾 Pet gundogs, working homes, and enthusiastic newbies welcome