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what age is the puppy?
Male or Female?
As the puppy had a lot of free running?

You mention whistle work,so it appears formal training as begun.Once formal training as started it is imperitive that you are consistant with your commands.If the dog as been taught to return to the whistle correctly,you should ensure he comes back everytime.
It sounds like the dog either does not fully understand what is required or simply is choosing to ignore you.You must always give the dog the benefit of the doubt and move back a few paces and re-teach the command.Make sure each exercise is 100% before moving on to the next exercise.The foundations are essential if you are going to have a reliable gundog.
You need to prove to your dog you are a strong pack leader,what you say goes!.This is a lot easier if you have a strong bond with your puppy,you have to be the most interesting thing on the planet,easier said than done!!!You need to stack the odds of success in your favour.Basic training should be carried out initially in a small confined space,such as an exercise pen or back garden,and not somewhere where are lots of interesting smells and distractions.If you are struggling to get the dogs attention when he is romping free,sit the dog and get his attention.If he is focused on you, as he should be.The recall will be much easier.once you have mastered the art in the garden then it is time to proof it in different environments.Just because a dog will carry out a command in one place does not mean he will do it anywhere else!!!.You need to start back at the beginning and get things 100% in this new area.Little and often.Remember It is your responsibility to teach the dog and not the dogs responsibilty to learn from you.
Get a clear picture in your own mind of what you are trying to achieve,then keep a diary so you can monitor progress or lack of it.Nip issues in the bud asap,don't let then linger on and become a problem.I hope this helps and make sense?

Good look with your puppy

Steve

It sounds like you have a bit of a monkey on your hands? Don't worry we have all been there.
It appears you have two options,persevere with training yourself or seek the help of a professional.As a guide I would expect a dog aged 10 months to be well forward with basic training.But remember you are training a mind,not an age,some dogs take to training alot earlier than others.I let the dog tell me when he's ready.If Imisread a dog and training appears to be too soon I ease off until I feel they are ready for formal training.
Basic Training
Recall-Voice,Whistle,Hand signal
Sit/Stay-Voice,Whistle,Hand Signal
Retrieving-Dummy to hand
Heel Work-On and Off lead

Once the basics are well engrained you can move on to the interesting stuff!!!


Directions -Left,Right,Back & Forward
Memory Retrieves
Water Retrieves
Jumping
Hunting
Introduction to Gunshot
Introduction to Cold Game
Double Marks
Blind Retrieves

A proffesional will help you get training back on track and make an accurate assessment of you and your dogs ability.£20-£30 per hour is well work the investment.You will have less sleepless nights.

What part of the country are you from? I may be able to recommend someone.

Alteritvley you could take Ians advice and go back to the beginning.Heel,sit,on the lead-gradually building things back up.Your dog may be bored of all the basic work so I recommend you have one session,say 4 pm ,when you can give the dog your undivied attention.Once you have achieved what you set out to do,finish on an high.Once you begin to make progress you can start to do a little more training.remember once formal traininas begun,make sure you get the correct response.Give them an inch and they will take a mile!!!

Regards

Steve