Okay, I'll be blunt. Shock collars are most shocking when operated by frustrated fellows belittled by their bosses and dominated by their wives. As a final insult, even their dogs don't pay any attention to their commands. Close behind are bullies who grew up relying on force because brawn worked for them when brains didn't. Let's face it.
Every new technology attracts abusers, and the electronic trainer is no exception.
Buying an e-trainer does not automatically make you a mindless monster, however. Manufacturers have steadily improved the technology for making intelligent trainers. Each time I field-test their innovations, I'm more impressed by the broadened usefulness and more humane applications. About the time dogs learn exactly what we want, they're suddenly of an age and intelligence to realize they're too far away or too fast for us to catch. E-trainers do teach that our reach seems unlimited.