If you’re new to training or working with gundogs, the terminology can sometimes feel like a language of its own. Whether you’re looking to train your dog for the field, take part in gundog events, or simply improve your understanding, knowing the correct gundog terminology can make a huge difference.
Here’s a breakdown of key terms to help you navigate the world of gundogs with confidence.

Types of Gundogs
Gundogs are categorised based on their roles in the field:
- Retrievers – Dogs bred to retrieve shot game and deliver it gently to hand. Popular breeds include Labradors and Golden Retrievers.
- Spaniels – Energetic dogs that work close to the handler, flushing game from cover and retrieving it. Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels are well-known examples.
- Pointers – Dogs that locate game by scent and freeze in a ‘pointing’ position to indicate its presence. This allows the handler or shooter to prepare before the game is flushed. Examples include the English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer.
- Setters – Similar to pointers, but instead of standing to ‘point,’ they adopt a crouched or ‘set’ position when they locate game. Breeds include the English Setter, Irish Setter, and Gordon Setter.
- HPRs (Hunt, Point, Retrieve) – Versatile dogs that hunt for game, point to indicate its location, and retrieve when needed. Examples include Hungarian Vizslas, Weimaraners, and German Wirehaired Pointers.
Essential Gundog Terminology for Training & Handling
- Heel – The dog walks calmly beside the handler, on or off the lead.
- Recall – The dog returns to the handler when called.
- Steadiness – The dog remains controlled and still, whether waiting for a retrieve, watching a fall, or observing flushed game.
- Marking – The ability of a gundog to watch where game or a dummy falls and remember its location.
- Casting – The handler directing the dog left, right, back, or forward using hand signals, voice, or whistle commands.
- Blind Retrieve – A retrieve where the dog did not see the fall and must rely on handler directions.
- Memory Retrieve – The dog is sent to retrieve from a place it has previously seen but must remember the location.
- Delivery to Hand – The dog returns a retrieved item and places it directly into the handler’s hand rather than dropping it.
- Hup – A command meaning ‘sit and wait.’
- Whistle Commands – Many gundog handlers use a whistle for consistent communication. Common signals include a single pip for a stop, multiple pips for recall, and a long blast to get attention.
- Hi-lost – A command used to encourage a gundog to search actively in a specific area, often spoken in an excited tone.
Understanding Whistle Commands
Whistle commands are an essential part of gundog training, offering clear and consistent communication between handler and dog. Unlike voice commands, a whistle carries further in the field and remains unaffected by excitement or emotion in the handler’s voice. The most commonly used whistle signals include:

Stop (One Short Pip) – A single, sharp blast on the whistle tells the dog to stop immediately and wait for further instruction. This is particularly useful for stopping a dog mid-run or preventing them from flushing game too soon. Handlers often reinforce this with a raised hand signal.
Recall (Multiple Pips generally 3 or 5) – A series of quick, repeated pips instructs the dog to return to the handler. This is an essential command for maintaining control over a working gundog, particularly in busy shooting environments or competition settings.
Hunt (Hi-lost Command – twit too whistle) – Used when a dog is near the fall of game or a dummy and needs encouragement to search. These rapid pips signal to the dog that it’s in the right area and should begin hunting with focus.
Change Direction (One or Two Pips, Depending on Training Style) – used to turn a dog the opposite direction generally when hunting an area.
Gundog Terminology for Fieldwork & Trials
- Flush – When a dog disturbs game from cover, causing it to move or fly.
- Soft Mouth – A desirable trait where a gundog carries game gently without damaging it.
- Hard-Mouthed – An undesirable trait in a gundog where retrieved game is gripped too tightly, causing damage. This can be due to poor training, excitement, or natural tendency and requires corrective training to encourage a softer hold.
- Peg Dog – A trained gundog that sits patiently at a shooting peg and retrieves only when commanded.
- Drives – Organised shoots where game is driven towards waiting guns (shooters).
- Picking Up – The role of collecting shot game from the field, typically performed by retrievers.
- Beating – Dogs and handlers work to flush game towards the guns in a shoot. Spaniels are often used for this role.
- Blinking – When a dog deliberately ignores a retrieve, either due to confusion, lack of confidence, or poor training.
- Eye Wipe – When another dog successfully retrieves game after the first dog has failed to find it, showing better ability or marking skills.
- Noise – When a gundog makes unnecessary vocalisations, such as whining, barking, or yipping, which is considered undesirable in both training and fieldwork.
- Running In – When a dog breaks from a sitting position or runs towards a retrieve without being sent, demonstrating a lack of steadiness.
- Rough Shooting – A traditional, informal form of shooting where guns and gundogs work together to hunt game while walking through varied terrain, such as hedgerows, woodland, and farmland. It requires a gundog to hunt, flush, and retrieve while staying steady and responsive to the handler.
- Driven Shooting – A formal, organised shoot where game is flushed by beaters and dogs towards waiting guns (shooters) positioned at pegs. Gundogs must remain steady, marking falls and retrieving only when instructed, with retrievers and spaniels commonly used for picking up.

Why Understanding Gundog Terminology Matters
Whether you’re training a working gundog or simply interested in learning more, understanding these terms will improve communication with trainers, handlers, and fellow enthusiasts. A clear understanding of commands and techniques also strengthens the working relationship between you and your dog.
If you’re new to gundog training, focus on core skills like steadiness, recall, and delivery to hand before progressing to more advanced training. Working with an experienced trainer or joining a local gundog club can be incredibly beneficial.
Would you like support in training your gundog? Check out our gundog training for more information.
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