[debbiej]

As Gina says, most agility classes require a solid base of obedience, as the dogs run off lead. perhaps the instructor is more concerned about the need of physical control than the actual collar. I'm sure some rules are made to be bent, but a good rule of thumb is that the dog should have enough obedience, that a flat collar should be enough.

speaking as a person who had taken a dog to an agility class where a dog running the course has strayed and ignored it's owner while sniffing around, I welcome an instructor who requires a high level of obedience in the class members.

this isn't to say the instructor is right, I don't know her, your dog or the class. I was in a very beginning obedience class once where almost all of it was on lead, and we could use prongs or pinch collars there. but the kind of agility class where the dog is off lead, ramped up and flying around....if you need more than your voice, it could be more than your pup is ready for.