Many handlers/trainers are now using a "Wait" command and train it well-before "Whoa," which is an advanced command. "Whoa" means to stop (and remain until commanded otherwise). "Wait" means to remain in place (because the dog 
is already stopped) until commanded otherwise. It's much easier to teach a stopped dog to remain still, than to teach a moving dog to stop.

There are many opportunities to teach a puppy what "wait" means. You have her "wait" while you open the door and both go outside. You have her "wait" to come inside. You have her "wait" while you put her food down. You have her "wait" while you get a towel and wipe her feet. She "waits" before jumping into the truck, and so forth. As she learns what it means, you start having her "wait" for longer periods and while you go out of sight. I'll go around the counter or behind a door, just for seconds at first and then build it to up to a minute. A dog who has been well-trained to "wait" often never needs to be trained to "whoa." The dog will "wait" at the blind until commanded to make a retrieve. The dog is on point, you command her to "wait" and she remains in place (stays steady) until you release her or command her to retrieve.

I really like the "wait" command. It's easy to train and seems to make sense to the dog. Many times I've seen a handler approach their dog, who is on point (so is already standing still) and command the dog to "Whoa!" (often repeatedly). Obviously they really don't mean for their dog to stop, because the dog isn't moving. What they are really doing is "warning" the dog not to move. Dogs cannot comprehend warnings for something they *might* do wrong. They live in the moment. The appropriate command in that scenario is "wait."