No v.s. Whoa

[MindofMurphy]

I just became the proud poppa of a GSP puppy. I picked him up at 8 1/2 weeks old and he is now 14 weeks old. This is my first experience training a bird dog. Growing up, I hunted with GSP's quite often but had nothing to do with the training. I also trained a couple of family dogs but not in any bird dog fashion. The dog will be an indoor/outdoor dog. I have just realized what might be an error on my part already. I am understanding the high importance of a "whoa" trained dog. Since bringing the puppy home, I have used the word "no" in a stern voice to stop it from unacceptable behavior. My questions are, have i already ruined my chances of using the word "whoa" effectively when it comes time to train the command by using a word that sounds so similar to "no"? Should I continue using "no" and come up with a different word for "whoa"? should I quit worrying about it and use both "no" and "whoa" as intended?

[gsp4life]

when i dont want my dog to do something i tell him to quit, leave it, stop. the word no is to close to the word whoa. the dog will get really confused when you tell him whoa in the field and the dog thinks he is doing something wrong.

[bobeyerite]

This is going to be hard to explain. When I trained Tony my Brittany. I used "NO" when as a pup, he would try to sneak a goodie off the fireplace surrounding. Things of that nature. Which means to him, "don't do it". I should add I can now lay a T-Bone steak on the fireplace surrounding and he will not touch it. When I taught "WHOA", I taught it to mean one thing and one thing only, "stop where you and don't move." Whoa, is also used 99% of the time outside the home. On daily runs and in the hunting fields. I hope this helps........Bob

[donnie_19]

You haven't ruined your dog. Dogs can tell the difference its in the tone. Whoa means stop and don't move until released. Very useful when approaching a road or the need to wait on me. Whoa when another dog is pointing and he hasn't seen it yet.
NO means stop doing whatever. Like this "NO" screamed extremely loud and angry when pointing a skunk. Then run fast the other way.

[BirdBocx]

Originally Posted by MindofMurphy

I just became the proud poppa of a GSP puppy. I picked him up at 8 1/2 weeks old and he is now 14 weeks old. This is my first experience training a bird dog. Growing up, I hunted with GSP's quite often but had nothing to do with the training. I also trained a couple of family dogs but not in any bird dog fashion. The dog will be an indoor/outdoor dog. I have just realized what might be an error on my part already. I am understanding the high importance of a "whoa" trained dog. Since bringing the puppy home, I have used the word "no" in a stern voice to stop it from unacceptable behavior. My questions are, have i already ruined my chances of using the word "whoa" effectively when it comes time to train the command by using a word that sounds so similar to "no"? Should I continue using "no" and come up with a different word for "whoa"? should I quit worrying about it and use both "no" and "whoa" as intended?

Congrats on the family addition! Here's wishing you all the joys partnering with a dog can bring.

You have not ruined the opportunity to accomplish your goals - the dog is a sponge at this point, just waiting to absorb whatever you wash over him. He'll be fine.

Yes, you do not want rhyming commands. I adopted the practices suggested by a great dog training friend. Instead of "whoa", I use "wait" (which, my friend pointed out, originated with George Bird Dog Evans). For "no", I use "ahh". Occasionally, "no" still slips out, but it's ok since I don't use whoa, there's nothing for it to rhyme with. :-)

Best of luck, and have fun!

[MindofMurphy]

Thanks for the insight everyone. I'm sure I'll be on this forum quite often during this "adventure" of getting my pup ready to hunt. Everyone seems to be on the same team here and offers very good advice/criticism. Thanks again.

[BritChaser]

Originally Posted by MindofMurphy

I just became the proud poppa of a GSP puppy. I picked him up at 8 1/2 weeks old and he is now 14 weeks old. This is my first experience training a bird dog. Growing up, I hunted with GSP's quite often but had nothing to do with the training. I also trained a couple of family dogs but not in any bird dog fashion. The dog will be an indoor/outdoor dog. I have just realized what might be an error on my part already. I am understanding the high importance of a "whoa" trained dog. Since bringing the puppy home, I have used the word "no" in a stern voice to stop it from unacceptable behavior. My questions are, have i already ruined my chances of using the word "whoa" effectively when it comes time to train the command by using a word that sounds so similar to "no"? Should I continue using "no" and come up with a different word for "whoa"? should I quit worrying about it and use both "no" and "whoa" as intended?

Not a problem because your tone of voice and the context will be different. Start "whoa" training on your leash walks. Say "whoa" and stop pup with leash. It'll catch on and begin to stop at "whoa" at which time you will, of course, reward his good behavior. For range training in the field use a spike collar on a long check lead, saying "whoa" just before pup hits the end of the lead and gets the spikes. Use the check lead to alter the pups direction, moving yourself with your arm extended in the direction you are moving and you want pup to move. He'll get it after all the signals you've given him around the house and yard.

Start using hand signals around the house and yard for in/out of the house, in the crate, in/out the car, in/out of a particular room. It'll catch on and transfer to the field. In the field I use the arm extended straight up for "come/move toward me" leaving loud "come" and "here" calls unnecessary. When I want my dog to scent or bust some cover I extend my arm toward it and off he goes.

[phird05]

Originally Posted by MindofMurphy

I just became the proud poppa of a GSP puppy. I picked him up at 8 1/2 weeks old and he is now 14 weeks old. This is my first experience training a bird dog. Growing up, I hunted with GSP's quite often but had nothing to do with the training. I also trained a couple of family dogs but not in any bird dog fashion. The dog will be an indoor/outdoor dog. I have just realized what might be an error on my part already. I am understanding the high importance of a "whoa" trained dog. Since bringing the puppy home, I have used the word "no" in a stern voice to stop it from unacceptable behavior. My questions are, have i already ruined my chances of using the word "whoa" effectively when it comes time to train the command by using a word that sounds so similar to "no"? Should I continue using "no" and come up with a different word for "whoa"? should I quit worrying about it and use both "no" and "whoa" as intended?

Absolutely not. I use both commands, but I use the word "no" in a stern voice for general "don't do that" training. When I use the whoa command I use it in a much softer voice. In addition, I actually soften my voice while saying whoa as I approach my dog while he is locked up on point. By the time I reach my dog I am almost whispering the whoa command. When close enough, I then release him for the flush. Don't worry, nothing is ruined. Your dog will absolutely know the difference between the two commands if you use them in different tones (and situations) as I mentioned.

It works for me. I hope this helps.

Good hunting.

Paul

[somanybirdssolittletime]

Where did whoa come from. I am sure it works along with No.. but why have two commands so close in sound. It would seem that word can be replaced with any other word and I mean any other word, steady, stop you could say peanutbutter and the dog would not know the difference if he was trained to that sound (word). I am curious on why whoa rather then stop ever caought on...

[donnie_19]

Whoa is used for horses to stop.