You are right. These are all tools. I responded with the ecollar suggestion because it is a very effective tool. Done right, Bomb Proof. Yes, the training is aside from the collar, leash, etc. It absolutely depends on you and your dog. What drives your dog? What do you expect? The relationship is the basis for anything you teach. Recently, I've worked on MARKERS, conditioning and using the right reward or knowing what drives the dog. My newest GSD LOVES her tug toy, LOVES. My other dogs have different drives. A can of whipped cream topping can be effective, too! The ecollar I use has settings to usea tone, vibrate, pulse, at a working level, meaning the dog knows it means, listen. Default is return to PLACE. When all else fails, get over here and LIE DOWN! Settle. Yes, It has settings to give the dog a real NO! My very driven GSD has a working level of 7. She reacts to me using it at 7. The Golden is a 4. When I test it on me, I feel it at 14! It is not a shock like putting your tongue on a 9 volt battery unless it is cranked up. It isn't punishment unless you need it to mean a real NO. Chasing the cat is a NO. I've had to use that type of level once. I am not up on the why behind clickers, markers, etc. I've read the theory but I do better with in front of me demonstration of the how. E collars are a conditioning tool? That is my understanding. Like you, I am not sure of the vocabulary. I just know they work and trainers use them for Bomb Proof recall. Again, you do have to train the dog so they know what come or here means. I totally agree. And they have been used as an excellent reinforcement for commands. Keep sharing. I am interested in knowing what is working for you.