Lab running off

Question
We have a 2 year old Lab that we resued from the local pound. He is wonderful. But we can't seem to get him to stick around. We live in the mountains of Montana, but have neighbors close enough to be bothered by our Lab. We were told that alot of dogs do well with shock collars but we are afraid if we use one it will break our Lab's free spirit. He minds well except when he gets a notion to want to run. Yes he is neutered. Any comments or suggestions on the collar. Thanxs

Answer
There are very few places you should let a dog run loose.  I am glad you are considerate enough of your neighbors to want to keep your dog at home.  I receive many questions from people wanting help with their neighbors' dogs. Relying on come to control most dogs loose outside is risky, and I do not
recommend it.  Dogs are individuals.  Some can be trained to come when you have
no way to enforce it, but some will never be completely reliable even for the
most experienced trainers.  

Consider fencing the yard, either a conventional fence or the electronic ones.
A tether is fine for short relief breaks with exercise coming from long walks
on leash.  Labs do fine in the house, there are ways of coping with the chewing.  

Many experts, including me, do not like the shock collars.  I have heard stories of dogs becoming nervous wrecks from their misuse.  I don't think one would be a good idea for a strong willed Lab.  He might even discover if he bolted, he could run out of range.