Preparation

• Agility training has become popular, and many areas offer dog agility training classes, according to The Puppy Dog Place.com. You can start with a basic course in your backyard or enroll in a class. It is important that your puppy have a good grasp of basic obedience commands before you start training. The United States Dog Agility Association or the North American Dog Agility Council have information on how to begin training, along with instructional videos.
  
  

Benefits

• Puppy agility training offers many benefits. The training is a good way for your dog--and you--to get exercise, but the process also fosters bonding and trust-building with your dog. Another benefit is socializing with other people and dogs who share your interest in agility sports.
  
  

Types

• Typical agility training focuses on several key areas, including teaching a strong recall command, responding to commands from a distance and teaching your dog the different directions. Specific agility training exercises include navigating a tunnel, chute and see-saw, per Webb and Leslie Anderson, both agility competitors. Webb Anderson is also an agility judge for AKC competitions.
  
  

Considerations

• There are some factors to consider when deciding if agility training is right for you and your dog. Your dog should be self-confident, outgoing and enjoy people or crowds. It should also heed commands, and you both need to be comfortable working together. For example, it is critical that you both learn to run in sync with each other. Training should include praise and treats, while you shouldn't punish your dog for mistakes. Most important, the training should be fun for both of you. Puppies are fearless and won't always know the consequences of falling off an obstacle, so you should make sure your training area is safe, according to the Andersons.
  
  

Types

• Almost any dog can participate in agility training, but certain breeds are more commonly used in agility competitions. These include border collies, labrador retrievers, Australian shepherds, cocker spaniels, papillons and welsh corgis, according to The Puppy Dog Place.com.