I agree. It really saved me and this dog. I was finally able to reach him. To tell you how strong willed mine was, before the collar he ran to and mounted a golden retriever (not in season) and was going at it heavy (in his mind)... He cringed when I approached, knowing full well that I was gonna hit him, and ~kept doin' it anyway~. It was worth it to him. After the collar, I never lost him in the first place. When he would see ~her~, I could get him back. I had found something that he couldn't just ignore.
They don't even realize that it's you, they just learn that disobedience makes the shock happen.
HA! - Not only that, but they think I am their safety from it! It's wonderful, if a little tricksey that way.
Have you ever shocked yourself with it? It's not bad, kinda like static electricity shock, but it keeps repeating.
Yup.... and yup. They must be used correctly or they can be emotionally torturous. And I wouldn't use it on a really emotionally sensitive dog... wouldn't need to. When used correctly, the dog works willingly and isn't afraid, he is just working for you and not himself. ;~D
But my dog has figured out that the collar produces the shock - she straightens up and flies right with the collar on even when the batteries are run down. She also recognizes the collar box when I take it off the shelf. She doesn't exhibit any symptoms of fear (this dog is afraid of absolutely nothing except large cement trucks with the mixer turning) but you can see the "oh-oh, I better behave myself."
Sometimes I turn it off and let her wander around the house and sleep with the collar on, just to try to throw her off balance.