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 Paulina (Atlas and Odin's Human). You can find a direct link to their Instagrams here and 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?
Stelmach: When we first got Atlas, I wanted to create an instagram page for him so my family who lives abroad can follow his daily adventures. A few weeks into having his account, we started gaining more and more followers which is when I realised that the dog community on instagram is bigger than I ever imagined.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Stelmach: What sets Atlas and Odin apart from other dogs on social media is their authenticity - their accounts focus on real-life moments and genuine experiences they enjoy together. Their followers appreciate the honesty and integrity behind the reviews of products and brands shared on the account. Their accounts show the exciting adventures Atlas and Odin embark on, offering a glimpse into the fun and spontaneous moments they share. By avoiding overly planned content, I try to maintain an authentic and relatable feel, resonating with followers who appreciate the natural joy of pet ownership and exploration. Focusing heavily on enrichment and training has also been our strong point.
(and odin’s followers love a funny reel every now and again)
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Stelmach: While I strive to maintain a spontaneous approach to my content, I must confess that certain posts require a degree of planning and structure. I have developed a modest system to organise aspects such as the number of ads scheduled for the month, brand representative posts, and reels. Despite the somewhat regimented nature of this process, I find genuine enjoyment in it. Both of my accounts adhere to a checkerboard theme, where alternating posts depict indoor and outdoor scenes. This format aligns with my personal aesthetic preferences and offers a sense of consistency that I can reliably achieve each week. Indoor posts are typically premeditated and often captured in a consistent setting, while outdoor posts feature Atlas and Odin, revelling in the wonders of nature or engaging in a spirited game of fetch during our daily walks. My captions are crafted to complement the imagery and are infused with personal anecdotes or reflections that resonate with the moment captured. I typically schedule these captions in advance, usually on Sundays, to ensure seamless posting throughout the week, from Monday to Saturday.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Stelmach: Yes - I’ve encountered criticism, and I believe it's a common experience for many individuals in the social media sphere. There's always someone ready to express negativity, whether it's regarding the diet of my dogs, their perceived level of activity because I don't document their every movement daily, or simply leaving unkind remarks on a viral reel. Initially, dealing with such negativity was challenging, especially for someone as emotionally attuned as myself. However, I soon realised that these comments are not a reflection of my worth or efforts. Working within the realm of social media, I encounter negative and disparaging remarks regularly, and I've learned how to navigate them effectively. This realisation has significantly improved my experience of sharing on social media platforms, making it a more enjoyable endeavour.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Stelmach: GO FOR IT! Creating a dog account isn't just about documenting memories for personal reflection; it's about joining a vibrant community of fellow dog enthusiasts who share the same level of devotion to our furry companions. In this community, you'll discover individuals whose adoration for your pup mirrors your own, fostering connections that transcend mere online interactions. When I first made the boys their Instagram page, I never anticipated the profound impact it would have on my life. Through this platform, I've had the pleasure of forging genuine friendships with like-minded individuals, encountering invaluable support from those facing similar behavioural or training challenges. Unlike other online forums where judgment often prevails, here, empathy and assistance abound. This supportive network proved especially pivotal during moments of struggle, such as when I found myself overwhelmed and on the brink while navigating the trials of caring for a 10-week-old Atlas.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Stelmach: I can’t even begin to describe how much my life got better since these two joined our family. I have been suffering from mental health issues and developed long covid over three years ago which left me with many symptoms - the biggest one being fatigue. There were days when I found it difficult to even leave my bed, consumed by a desire to disconnect from the world and sleep through it all. But getting Atlas and Odin changed that for me. While I continue to face challenges, their presence has provided me with newfound motivation. Even on my most difficult days, their eager energy prompts me to rise, venture outdoors, and embrace life more fully. In many ways, they've saved me and showed me that I can still live my life to the fullest.
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?
Stelmach: A few weeks ago, we took the boys to the nearby beach like we usually do. They were both running around when Odin started to run towards the water (bear in mind that unlike Atlas, Odin wouldn’t even go near a puddle) and just like that, he was submerged in the sea. He was running around, waiting for my partner to throw him rocks which he kept retrieving from the sea. It might not sound like much, but to see your nervous and anxious dog enjoy life like this, creates a memory that you will cherish forever.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Stelmach: It’s hard to choose just one thing because being a dog influencer is more than just working with brands on campaigns. You create bonds with brands and fellow brand advocates. I still get a ‘omg’ moment when a brand reaches out to us as I don’t really see myself as an influencer - I’m just a 26 year old with two pups, sharing their adventures that I can look back in a few years time. The fact brands want to work with us still leaves me feeling starstruck.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Stelmach: I I believe I'll keep sharing the content we've been producing, but I'm considering expanding into more travel and adventure-themed content across another accounts. We have a few trips planned this year - we already booked a two week trip to Ireland and a weekend away at the Lake District - this is the kind content I love watching and find informative so going into that niche might be a good way to stay creative without focusing too much on ‘having a perfect feed’ Odin's account is increasingly focused on enrichment, which aligns with his passion and provides enjoyable content to create.
