Puppy agility and off-lead exercise - advice please!!

[elephantpoo]

We have a 20 week old mini poodle x patterdale who is DD's (10) dog.
DD has done 1 course of puppy classes with her and is starting the next stage this week. DD is so proud of what she's acheiving with her, and would eventually like to try agility. I'm very aware that it is important not to over work a young puppy, but at what age is it ok to start with basic agility?
Also, re. the "5 mins per month they've been alive" rule - Puppy has a max 20 mins at the moment of structured "walking". But we are a very active family, with an older labrador, and we'll often go out to the river / moor etc. for a play (off lead for dogs) and a picnic. This usually involves older dog playing fetch / swimming in the river and generally just running around. Is puppy ok doing this sort of exercise.....we're not actually walking, more using the outdoors as our extended garden, though inevitably puppy runs around like a loon with older dog?!
Any thoughts appreciated :)

[toomuch2young]

Puppies shouldnt start jumping, weaving or equipment until around 11/12 months small breed and some largest breeds 18 months.

At the age of your pup you can do lots of basic training that will become the foundation of your pups agility career. A good sit, wait, stay and recall are crucial.

In a couple of months you can introduce tunnels and 'jumping' poles on a floor.

Make it all fun and positive and if poss join a foundation agility class.
Have fun. We are agility addicts now!!

[Cuebill]

Contact an agility club you can do foundation work from a very early age.

Eg target training, directional training, waits, running through wings and tunnels, working on foundation contact work etc.

However if you are new to agility it is best to start with a club as you will not get into bad habits to start with.

Many clubs will have foundation classes from about 7 months of age but if you go and watch or contact a class they will give you ideas on target training etc.

List of clubs on agilitynet