Anyone that has ever spent time with any of the sighthounds, which includes Italian greyhounds, knows that is not something all the time assuredly accomplished. That doesn't mean that the dogs cannot or should not be trained!
One of the sports that might be most ideal for is agility. Agility is a fast-paced, fun, and addictive sport that assuredly bonds a handler to his dog and relies on not just spoken commands but also body language.
Agility requires a fast, agile dog and a dog that can learn to effect your lead. Training Igs for agility takes advantage of the dog's natural quickness (sighthounds are some of the fastest dogs in the world) and his agility. Getting him to effect commands takes a bit more time!
Basics Training
Italian greyhounds, like most sighthounds, are very sensitive. You cannot be a heavy handed or harsh dog educator or the dog will not work for you. Any kind of training you do with these dogs must be positive, upbeat, and motivational.
Use higher pitched voices, happy body language, and a lot of reward. Not all Italian greyhounds will work well for food, but try to determine what food items your dog most values. Don't be afraid to use very high value food items like chicken as it might be necessary.
Especially in agility, Italian greyhounds can use their natural instinct to chase small absorbing objects. Create a lure stick by tying a small fuzzy toy onto a pole with a light rope. This can be used as a bonus for any type of training, but it will work well for agility.
How to Do Training in Agility
Most of agility is about constant movement over jumps, straight through tunnels, up obstacles, and weaving straight through poles. Some dogs can assuredly be taught these maneuvers with food, and if your Italian greyhound is very food motivated, you can go that route as well.
But, this won't work for all of them or all of the time. Instead, make it a game using your lure toy. Use the toy to begin teaching skills by luring the dog or enticing him to effect your toy. It can be used for roughly every obstacle and command in agility. Allow your dog to catch the toy at the end of the behavior and even play a short tug game, if he likes tug.
As he understands the skills, begin switching from luring with the toy to using it only as a bonus at the completion of a behavior. Italian greyhound training utilizing a motivation that is very excellent for most of the breed assuredly helps make the sport fun and teaches the dog the important skills.
Final Thoughts:
Don't worry if your dog doesn't take to the course or sport as swiftly as the nearest Border Collie. Once he gets the hang of it, your Italian greyhound will find it to be quite fun. Just keep it light and fun. Don't get frustrated or angry and remember to bonus him straight through motivation for the most success.