re: Lab training...

All the dogs I've trained (50+) I did with an e-collar (for gundog/field trial retrievers). I don't need an e-collar for training a dog, it is a reinforcement tool. Dogs learn through teaching, rewarding, timing and correction. I can issue a correction at the speed at which the dog learns best. Gundogs and trial retrievers have come miles since the invention of the e-collar.
All the pro's mentioned above are very capable trainers. Are there ignorant folks that don't know how to use one properly, yes. Do e-collars get abused/overused, YES.
When we run Hunt Test and trials, it is against the rules to use ANY traning device (e-collar,choke chain,etc)and our dogs do quite well.Many Master, Grand, and Field Champion titles are awarded to dogs that never wore the first collar or anything in competetion. Yes, an e-collar was used to train them. (Properly).If you are against an e-collar, you are misinformed on their true purpose and use. Gundogs and trial retrievers are heads and tails better trained now than before e-collars and its not even close. If you don't believe it, go find a dog that was trained e-collar less, and put it up against any Grand Champion, Master Hunter, or Field Champion and you'll understand. Question: What happens when a bird savy gundog,takes off after his/her duck and doesn't see the big alligator heading for the same duck. If the dog listens and comes back, you're good either way. If he decides that he doesn't want to listen, and wants the duck anyway, an e-collar could save its life.