On the contrary to uplandchessies, I think a shock collar is an almost essential tool for this breed. If you have a less dominant dog that obeys 90% of the time at long distance it isn't necessary, but most times you don't get so lucky. Most chessies are dominant and extremely intelligent and try to figure out how they can get around your control. By putting that collar on, you can discipline that dog no matter where he is (providing CC has been done and the dog knows where the pain is coming from). He/she learns that you are in control, no matter when or where. Also, it can be an reassurance to have it on the dog just it case it may "forget" or decide to get in a "do it my way" mood. I have went through all the training, including FF. There has been numerous times the e-collar has been worth it's weight in gold. Example, steadiness at a distance, "come" with distractions, and chasing of game.