Our newly adopted GSP will be coming off exercise restrictions in a couple of weeks. As was expected, we are struggling a bit with getting/keeping his attention and the grand ol "come" command. The fields where we run the dogs in the afternoons after work are not enclosed and too close to roads for comfort. We want to make sure Jake (new guy) is ableto get plenty of exercise... he is itching for it now, but so afraid to let him go.

I have been talking to folks about electronic dog collars. I am really on the fence about it, though a little more ok with vibrating collars. I am looking only to use it for the purpose of making sure we can get Jake to learn "come".

What do folks feel about the collars, and can anyone point me in the direction of a good one, preferably one that won't break the bank right now?

By the way, the reason E-Collars get a bad wrap, if you research it on the internet, is that people think you "shock" the dogs into compliance, or "fry" them if they mis-behave. Some websites show pictures of dogs with, so-called, burned necks, and so on... It upsets me greatly, but not for the reasons you would think...

Little background on me... I have an electonic engineering background (where I started) and have worked in Medical Devices, in various roles for almost 20-years. I designed MENS, and TENS units (electrical neurologic stimulation for therapy) back in the late '90's (along with shortwave, microwave, ultra-sonic therapy, as well as Electro-surgical (cutting tissue with Radio-frequency current) units). I also worked on Hospital Beds, and therapy surfaces to combat pressure soars in the early 2000's. The E-collar is designed, as PB noted, to apply a static shock (high voltage, high frequency) - just like a TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device (also marketed on late-night TV to replace sit-ups (a different conversation!)). Particulary, the collar, when stimulation is applied, causes the muscles to contract (tense) in the dog's neck - which, by the way, is exactly what they do in response to a tug on the collar (when used right, ane-collar is just as humane as a leash). It is in no way powerful enough, or have enough capacity to cause burns, but can hurt the dog quite a bit, if turned to too high an intensity (so can the units sold to replace sit-ups ). If the dog ever vocalizes (whines, cries, howls, collapses into a heap on the floor...) it is set too high.

The photos online of so-called "burns from shock collar" are really pictures of pressure soars (another topic I happen to know quite a bit about) caused by owners keeping the collar on the dog all the time (usually further enhanced by shaving around the area as well). Pressure soars are caused when localized pressure interrupts blood-flow locally. The result is that the tissue around the pressure area (with disrupted blood-flow) dies, resulting in a pressure ulcer, or sore. I have seen just as bad pictures of people who keep their dogs chained-up unsupervised all day, every day - same effect, equally inhumane.

I have absolutely no concerns over using an e-collar to train my dog, any more than I have concerns over being a human test subject on the TENS units we designed, and built for medical use. If used correctly, an e-collar can be a huge asset to a dog trainer/handler. If you do have any concerns, or if your head is not in the right place (i.e., "I'm going to fry the dog for mis-behaving"), please, please, PLEASE - DON'T USE ONE! As with many pieces of equipment, there is a right way, and a wrong way to do it.

What's the difference to the dog?

It will be more effective if you use it for training - and I think you will be much happier with the behavior of the dog, along with the dog being able to learn faster.  Start with "sit", also "Heel", then move to "come"... etc...  Read this online article:  www.tritronics.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/manuals/basic_training.pdf .  If you are concerned about safety, and want to get your dog's attention, get a long check-cord, not an e-collar.

"There is no secret ingredient" (Kung-fu Panda).

 "Selective hearing"...  A.K.A, Disobedience.  He hears you alright - guaranteed.  He chooses to not obey you.  You can change the stimulus (Whistle, Clap, Command, Click, Jump up and down in a clown suit (I added that one...)), but if you do not have a different way of conditioning the behavior (reward correct behavior - coming when called, or punishing/correcting incorrect behavior - pressure through leash, pinch, shock, vibration...) you probably won't be successful in improving his "hearing".  Command once (either whistle, clap, OR command), then correct (if he doesn't comply), and reward (when he does). It is that simple - and that complex.  Good Luck!

 And don't bother investing in an e-collar yet.  He has a ways to go before he is ready for that.