I have had 5 shelties and have never even considered using a pinch collar on them, then again I haven't had all the sheltie dogs in the world. Maybe some shelties do need a pinch collar, I just haven't met them yet.
However, on my Bichon, Buddy, while he was in training classes last year, he pulled so hard on his chain, I was afraid that he would hurt himself. The trainer told me that sometimes you have to use a pinch collar on dogs that pull so hard they can break their neck bones!! He advised me to use a pinch collar on Buddy and it helped a lot. We were the 4th owners on Buddy and nobody had made him behave. He was very stubborn and wouldn't do anything you asked unless you had pieces of homemade pork chops. I never even in the begining pulled on his collar. Just taking him for a walk, he would pull so hard that it took all my strength to just stay in one spot, and he was only 12 lbs!! After we put him on a pinch collar, he still pulled on the leash, but not nearly as bad as before.
When we found him a new home the new owners were very upset about having to use a pinch collar. After I told them what the trainer said, and also that we were using it because we were afraid he would break his neck, they
said they would try it. If it saves the Bichon's life, then I think it's great.
But like I said I've never met a sheltie that needed to use one. They are happy to do anything for a bit of a treat and are so happy to make you happy. I'm never getting another type of dog again.
