I use the collar mostly for what you say; safety. My last Springer had one and it was needed only when close to a road or when she was getting near something that could prove hazardous and her hunt drive was in high gear.
My dogs have all been trained to the whistle and I have found over the years that with my last dog, it took one tickle the first day of hunting to remind her who was in charge and the collar never got used again, always on her for safety but she knew what it was and minded herself quite well.
I work with a great trainer who schooled me on what not to do with an E Collar.
all of the suggestions are appreciated and I will let you know what I go with.
