My boyfriend has a 145lb Akita and he has a collar like that. I only saw them use it on him in the beginning. I haven't seen them use it in years, but Grizz (the Akita) walks better on a leash now. I agree with others that say they aren't cruel if used properly. Sometimes it's for the dogs own safety. When I would walk Grizz before he knew how to walk on a leash it could have been dangerous. A large dog has a lot of power. Combine that power with a puppy brain and you have trouble, so sometimes those collars are necessary. When Grizz used it he never squeaked or showed that he was in any pain.