I have had setters all my life & watched grandpa raise em.I dont agree with the pots & pans or taking your dog to the range thing but if it works for you fine.My granpa or I have never had a gunshy dog period.We never shot a gun around a dog untill it was bold on birds & would hold point,then we would shoot the gun & 95% of the time the dog would act as if it never heard the gun.If they are intent on the bird as they should be the gun will be a positive thing after a few birds fall.Start back a little then move up & the dog will tell you by their enthusiasim.My grandpa used a checkcord till he passed so it is all I know.Never used a E-collar as I have no experiance but have seen enough ate up dogs to know you better not misuse one.I have a buddy that uses with success & it speeds up his training time,so I see if used properly it is an asset.I have worked alot of dogs for friends & think the setter is the easiest to train for a foot bird hunter in the long run.