I started Flyball in November of 2007 and in June of 2008 I was the proud owner of my own team. The original owner decided to retire along with a couple of others. I was left with a team that had only two dogs. Mine who was running but green and one that was still training. Well instead of trying to find another team, which was hard enough to begin with, I am trying to stick it out.

I am looking for advice on getting the team up and going, finding people/dogs, running a team, and any lessons learned that people would like to share.

Offer flyball lessons. Also, other type of dog training, if you are qualified. A lot of our flyball teammates came from obedience school puppies and agility trainees. Demos. Website so that they can find you and check you out. Running open teams can get you out where people who want a team can see you. Let your vet and groomer and trainer know you are looking for teammates and leave contact information/flyers cards. Hold practices every week, in the same place, weather or not your dog or the other dog need it, so there is a predictable time people can come out and "check it out"

Have your tournament schedule up on the team website, even if it's just open teams and U-Fli singles/pairs. When people come and hang around the sidelines, watching, give them cards. Take a minute to explain what you are doing. If they have an eight week old puppy, have them come to practice to socialize it. If they have a fat 10 year old basset, do whatever you can to work with that dog. If they bring dog that won't come when called and has the training level of your average housecat, work with them. Find ways to work with whatever shows up. If the people are willing to stuff the dog in a car and show up every week for practice, they're gold. If they have a significant other who will boxload - Yahoo!

Be positive! Find ways to make it work. Do everything you can, and do something with each dog each practice, even if it's just tug and recall work. Value every person and play with every dog. You're doing this to have fun.

Those were my ideas and suggestions, FWIW.

Weasel gives some excellent advice on how to get new members interested and how to get your team out there and noticed. From personal experience.... a really good website is crucial when you are 'competing' for new members in a flyball-rich region. There are plenty of web hosting options out there. I believe flyball.com may still offer free websites for teams and there are some others that charge a monthly fee as well (we use Breederoo.com).

From the 'lessons learned' stand point - it's crucial to be up front and honest with your team mates (new and existing) right from the start. One person's 'preception' of how things are done can be very different from another's. I would suggest setting up Bylaws and/or Club Rules right off the bat to avoid any uncomfortable confrontations after the fact by a disgruntled player. Make everything clear - dues, how tourney fees are handled, membership types and rates, commitment levels vs. racing spots, how new members are handled (vote in, automatic membership upon joining, etc.) how Jr. Handlers are to be dealt with, equipment, etc.

I can provide you with a copy of my team's Bylaws if you want to some to review, get ideas, etc.

Good luck to you with the club - I'm sure you will do great!

Setting bylaws right away is the best suggestion for getting off to a good and strong start. When I began my own team, I outlined the things I liked and disliked about my previous teams - combined what I felt was the best and have set up my ideal of the perfect team. Letting folks know immediately how the team is run, how decisions are made, who is in charge, etc. puts a clear picture in everyone's head.

As for suggestions to get more members: hold weekly walk-in classes. I have gotten more interest and overall dedication by setting up walk-in, progress at your own speed, come when you are able classes than from the usual 6 or 8-week beginner/intermediate/advanced classes. Folks stop by one evening, give the class a try and either they like it and come back or leave. I only have to teach the ones who want to come and stay. Also, everyone gets a chance to help out, see other dogs work, and get lots of other suggestions from those who have been there. And, the committment isn't quite as intensive early on. Once hooked, though, I can get almost everyone there each week.

Also, get in contact with other people involved in other clubs and sports. A lot of my people were originally in another training class with one of my students - my students like Flyball and spread the word.

We also volunteer to do demos at least once a month. We don't always get a lot of interest from these demos, but our club name gets out there and, once again, through word of mouth, we get lots of people.

When I began my club a year ago, we had five members, currently, we now have 20 active members.

Don't give up and remember that word of mouth can either help or hurt, be careful the message you send.