A E-collar can be a nice tool to fine tune a dog that already has basics and some advanced work mastered. The problem INHO is that to some people look at it as a easy way around fundementals something that I feel is a gravious error. If I understand you question properly. If you'd like to use it on a long recall, I would tell you that you need to have a fairly reliable recall now without excessive distraction. The E-collar would be then added along with mild disatraction & increased distence. Another use is during off lead heeling with distraction present. Again you should have you basic heeling off lead understood. Remember training tools are only a part of the education process and NOT a substitute for training work time.