Ecollar use

[Waftrudnir]

As stated....any time she's off leash - even in the backyard.

you must have a huge backyard...
as others have already said, when you have your e-collar conditioned dog running off leash it is reasonable to me. however, you should really see a rapid decline of its use!
by the way, it took me quite some time carrying one (with empty batteries) until I realised that I - not the dog - had begun to need that thing for psychological reasons, and I wouldn't think of myself as control freak.

[zoli 16ga.]

I would like nothing better then to not use it at all. He does listen much better now with only voice commands, after only a few days using the collar.

I put the collar on my son's forearm at the lowest setting (1/2), and he could barely feel it. On the next level (1), he could feel it but not believe it would actually influence the dog.

(1) is the highest I ever go, and it usually gets a quick response, if 1/2 has no effect.

D.

[trkyhntr21]

I have it on the dog all the time he is off leash.

[finsfurfeathers]

I would like nothing better then to not use it at all. He does listen much better now with only voice commands, after only a few days using the collar.

I put the collar on my son's forearm at the lowest setting (1/2), and he could barely feel it. On the next level (1), he could feel it but not believe it would actually influence the dog.

(1) is the highest I ever go, and it usually gets a quick response, if 1/2 has no effect.

D.

Once the dog knows what is expected of him not much is required to keep him on track. My e-collar has a vibration feature which is all I use to correct if needed once conditioned. As I think you mentioned consistency is very important. I believe its true if you give them and inch they'll take a mile.