Tessa,
Its becoming clear you have a communication problem with your dog. My dogs all have strong hunting drives, but non of them want to hunt without me, and non are looking to escape from their home to go and hunt! Me thinks the dog has moved up far to high in the family pecking order.
As for e-collars, they have there place but more damage can be done when there used by people who don't understand there proper use, and there proper use needs a good understanding of `communication' with the dog and correct reading of the dog and critical timing. You would be better advised to come to the NAT apt on Sunday and let me see your dog and how you interact, it would be far cheaper than the e-collar.
Also you should be aware of the proper use of long lines/ flexileads, the dog should never be allowed to pull on the line, or dictate the length of the line. ( They should not be used as a lead!)In gundog training the use of this type of equipment is high lighted by there common name of `check cords'. they are used as correction or establishment of your control of the dog when free running. i.e. the dog is recalled before the end of the line is reached, the line is loose and dragged along the floor. if the dog recalls properly authority and respect for your authority is established/maintained ( also the understanding of the recall command/stop command is learned /maintained), and the dog is rewarded. however if the dog does not recall/stop you can immediately stop the dog in its tracks by using the line, when properly used the dog quickly understands the stop and recall are commands to be obeyed and not up for discussion, no matter what the distraction.
Peter
Just to add, I can understand where the `trainer' is coming from with regard to lead work rather than free running, it is really just a matter of degree. A dog should only be allowed free running when it is still working with you! Far too often I see owners letting their dogs run free and allowed to do their own thing, make their own rules and decisions and completely oblivious to their handler. The balance has to be always in the handlers direction and not in the dogs, the dog should be learning about the world and its abilities but always with you in mind. the moment this balance changes a good handler will restrict the `free running' to a level where the dog only has eyes for you, and this will often mean on a lead and at heal!