Des, I agree that you are right in thinking that the E-Collar can be a trigger in an attack in certain situations. I also think Platz is right in saying that it is an easy way around fundamentals in obedience training. The key in this, though, is to recognize that you're dealing with a CO, which will *never* be as responsive as a GSD (for example) in obedience. While it may be effective under normal circumstances, it can also be a defecit to any training regime (regardless of breed) if used incorrectly.