Radar- I'm sorry you're so frustrated. I recommend a deep breath, maybe a glass of wine in the tub after the littles are in bed, and then cinch down that collar firmly when you get a chance. I wouldn't even worry about it being too tight at the moment- you've got bigger fish to fry in just keeping the dog alive. At some point you may want to get a limited slip collar, as they often stay on a little better on really narrow headed dogs. The e-collar suggestion is a good one also, but I would recommend getting an experienced person to work with you and pup once you're ready to take that on.

I work full time, am mother of a 3 year old, and own 3 of these wacky hounds. It's one heck of a handful to juggle. And I don't always do it very successfully. But this breed for all it's energy and mischief is sweet and usually very tolerant of children's mayhem, so making some effort to iron out your issues can definately be worth it. Please check out this little page for some ideas to get your dog some really hard exercise without taking up your whole afternoon:
http://www.thedirtlife.com/dogs/pulling/pulling.htm

Finding a small car tire for the dog to pull while you go on a short walk would be my very first move. It's easy, cheap, doesn't require any training to start, doesn't require you to move quickly so the kids might be able to tag along, and wears the dog out FAST. This alone is not going to solve all your problems, but getting the ants in the pants ground down to a tolerable level should give you considerable leverage in dealing with the rest.

My escape artist was a 24 pound cocker spaniel named Sassy.  She pushed out a screen in a window in front of the house, she wiggled between two posts in my fence (still not sure how she did it even though I saw her, but couldn't quite catch her), expert at throwing a buckle collar, neighbors kid let her out, etc.  Thank goodness all I had to say was snack and she was back to me.  Anyway the point is folks who own escape artists need to think like the dog and anticipate, then go dog proof whatever you have to.  For a dog that throws collars off, choke or martingales work great.  If a dog bolts our a door, put the leash on the dog before you open the door (every time), for a digger make sure the fence line is secure from digging out using additional fencing embedded in the ground or rocks, for a fence climber electric fences, for my girl Sassy who would push our window screens I just quit opening those front windows.  The bottom line is do everything you can to secure or prevent the dog escaping.  Also, work on a method of retrieval.  For example, if they especially like treats work that angle.  I think what lauralee was getting at is 14 escapes sounds like allot.  Not knowing the circumstances, my initial reaction was exactly the same.  So, don't come down on her for expressing what I bet many were thinking, take it with a grain of salt and work harder to secure that dog. None of us wants the dog to get hurt and we all want you to succeed.  If we didn't we wouldn't be so passionate in our responses, nor would we even take the time to respond.

Radar, everybody has advice on how and what you should do, but in the end it is up to you on what is needed. If you love your gsp, truly love the dog and want to keep it take a step back and start a fresh relationship him. If not find him a good home . I am very lucky to have my gsp fred. He is a great hunter and very spoiled. Like all gsps he loves to run thats what the breed does. I also have 2 of the finest cbrs on the planet. They take alot of Fred's energy. (thank god) When buying or adopting any breed of dog you should do the research to find out what that breed was designed for. (pointing, hunting, retrieving, lap warmer, ankle biter, etc.) The way they react is in the breed not just in the training.

Quick story so you know it happens to all of us. I got a call from a lady asking if I had a dog named Fred, I said yes and she said he had followed her home and where he had hooked up with her there where two other brown dogs. Rushing to the door and getting her address I ran out and there were my 2 cbrs in the front yard (one was not a year old). Fred was 4 blocks away with the gal who he followed. Some how the gate got open, I now put a carabineer on it.

Roy