Welcome to the ultimate destination for dog enthusiasts and social media mavens alike. At Dogfluencers, we're passionate about showcasing the best and brightest in the world of four-legged fame.
Whether you're looking for adorable photos, heartwarming stories, or expert tips on how to turn your own pup into a social media star, we've got you covered.
Today we got the honor of interviewing Ashleigh (Phoenix's Human). You can find a direct link to their Instagram here.
Here is their story:
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a dog influencer? What inspired you to start sharing your dog's adventures on social media?
Reeve: Where to begin! Originally on my own Instagram page prior to getting Phoenix, I started following lots and lots of "Red Merle Australian Shepherd" accounts. Like I was just OBSESSED with the breed, their coloring and just watching them grow along with the adventures they would go on. I wanted people to be able to share in my experience of raising Phoenix and all that goes along with it - the good and the bad. After bringing Phoenix home I created his account @_wanderingphoenix_ that night and from then on there had been no stopping us! To begin with, it was just cute puppy photos that you would go "aww over" but now we find purpose with our page by either promoting products from small businesses we love, raising awareness on certain issues, and just an insight into everyday life.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Reeve: Every dog is original and unique in their way! Phoenix is extremely smart, however, incredibly stubborn and will selectively decide when to use his brain haha Phoenix sadly became nervous/excitable reactive when we were attacked on a fundraiser walk in March 2022. Since then, I've discussed this topic several times on social media platforms in hopes of raising awareness around reactivity, how Phoenix became reactive, and what we are doing to help him. Phoenix and I participate in multiple fundraisers per year that we feel passionate about and use his account to promote awareness around the certain causes. For instance, in 2022, we raised awareness and funds for "The Lost Dogs Home" and "Guide Dogs Australia", and this year we did the same for "Breast Cancer Trials Australia & New Zealand". We don't have a large following but enough to be able to make a small difference. We document our daily walks by posting to our stories, give regular updates, provide a link so other accounts and donate/check our progress and most importantly educate. I also have two children, with one just turning five months old. Prior to giving birth, I spoke about how we planned to introduce a newborn and once she was here, I gave insight on "safe transitioning" which was a hit and so many people took our advice on board for when they start to have children.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Reeve: Not really, the only structure we have is how we write our captions and we also have a grid pattern because I like our page to be aesthetically pleasing! I just post what I'm passionate about, random things, stuff we love/don't like, life. I personally don't have just a handful of subjects to talk about. I like the freedom to be able to post whatever content I like and just hope others relate or enjoy it. At the end of the day, it's all for fun and if people can either take something away from our post or even giggle at our reels, I'll be happy.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Reeve: Thankfully no negativity that I'm aware of! I mean, we are posting our lives essentially on a public platform so no doubt we have been spoken about before. The only "challenge" is our content reaching our followers and new accounts... our reach rate at the moment is shocking, but I think many accounts are sadly having the same issue - the algorithm is NOT our friend *sobbing*. For example, we have x amount of followers and currently Instagram is only showing 200-400 of those our posts. There's no real way around it, I don't think, but we love our followers regardless, especially those that engage with our content.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Reeve: JUST HAVE FUN Sure there are those that monetize their accounts or have a certain agenda but I found the accounts with the largest following (like our bestie @wigglebuttbutters) use their page to make people laugh and we are all for that! No one likes over promoting or utilizing their dog to make money or sell products constantly. That's why it's important to mix it up 🙂
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Reeve: Well, I don't know if my kids have given me grey hairs or Phoenix has haha... But all jokes aside he has taught me to step outside my comfort zone and just "breathe". After having children, I became a bit isolated and now he has given me a reason to get back out into the world. Whether it's for walks, adventures, or even his training classes! We attend the occasional dog sport competition which I NEVER in a million years thought I would do. We've also met several amazing accounts through his social media and have even created friendships in real life with these dogs and their amazing owners. I guess he's changed me as a person, he's challenged me, taught me unconditional love, and overall is always there for me without judgment. It sounds silly but when you get a dog, you're constantly growing and changing together which is a blessing. I wouldn't trade him for the world, he's my heart dog 🧡
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or funny moment you've had with your dog during one of your photo shoots or adventures?
Reeve: Oh, there's been plenty! He really does have a patience of a saint when putting up with photo shoots especially with treats haha One time there was a beautiful sunset so I decided to take him for a walk down to our local dam. We sat down together and I started snapping away with my phone. Little did I know Phoenix had laid eyes on a rabbit down in the bushes and next thing I know is he's taken off and dragged me about 4 meters down the hill 😅 not to mention I was about 8 months pregnant at the time so wasn't a great experience. Let's just say I stood up, brushed myself off, and walked home straight away... Phoenix knew by my mood he messed up
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Reeve: Getting to show off Phoenix, our everyday life, promote our small businesses that stand by our values and overall just have fun. We've made some amazing connections through social media and hope to continue this for a long time. Being a dogfluencer has actually been amazing for my mental health postpartum, it's kept my mind busy and since I adore photography it's me a hobby I truly love. Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works? Reeve: Oooooh great question! No real plans as such but you never know what tomorrow brings. So you have to be following us to keep updated hehe...
