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 Shannon (Calvin'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?
Hinds: As a first time dog owner, I realized that our adventures together weren’t just fun walks and afternoon cuddles; they were tales of friendship, overcoming challenges, and pure unconditional love. I wanted to share my journey with other first time dog owners and social media serves as the perfect avenue to do that. I started posting short clips to show our funny moments as well as our learning moments and we have grown the best community of dog lovers!
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Hinds: Calvin is a fluffy ball of mischief with eyes that could convince anyone to fall madly in love. Our page’s raw emotion and genuine connection shines through in every post. From heartwarming moments of cuddles and companionship to hilarious escapades that leave us all in stitches, Calvin's antics resonate with people because they capture the essence of what it means to enjoy life one day at a time. Social media can sometimes feel overwhelming, but my dog reminds us that it's okay to embrace the messy, the imperfect, and the downright silly parts of life. Calvin has become more than a pet to some, he is a ray of sunshine during days we need a little bit of light.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Hinds: Calvin's content is inspired by him! His daily shenanigans inspire me to create a video to show what he is up to during the day. Sometimes they are funny and sometimes they are just relatable for anyone who owns a pet! I also look at trending videos and audio that are on the explore page for inspiration. These videos and audio give me an idea for my own content that I can put my personal touch on. I spend my weekends researching trending topics in the dog community and shooting lots of video footage to use for the week's posts. I have a posting schedule that I use to keep on track of content to make sure I am consistently posting for our followers.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Hinds: Unfortunately yes. Social media has a side that is not positive when it comes to posting. I have chosen not to involve myself in negative comments or posts. If someone has a negative comment they are deleted and blocked. I have worked hard to create a community that is safe and fun and I don't want anyone to ever feel uncomfortable on my page.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Hinds: Just start! My biggest hurdle when I wanted to start creating content was worrying that it wasn't perfect or that my content wasn't up to par with other influencers. I was so wrong! Everyone is unique and social media wants to hear different perspectives and meet new people. Post your videos and interact with other accounts to build your community of love!
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Hinds: Calvin has influenced my life in ways I could never have imagined! He has taught me responsibility, perseverance, and patience. Being responsible for a small being is full time job that I wouldn't give up for the world. Our training sessions have shown me that consistency and patience are key! I have been able to apply all of these lessons to my life as well. He has changed me for the better!
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?
Hinds: Calvin's favorite treat is anything with cheese. When he was a puppy, I used spray cheese to get him to sit for pictures and videos. I had forgotten something in the other room and when I came back he had figured out how to get the cheese to come out of the can! He has squirted it all over himself and my carpet. I spent the next couple of minutes cleaning up spray cheese from Calvin's fur and all of my furniture! I had no choice but to laugh at my puppy who has no thumbs and somehow made a bigger mess than I thought possible.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Hinds: Interacting with other dog influencers is the best! We share tips and tricks, exchange ideas, and support each other's content. I have made friends all across the United States since I started influencing and its amazing!
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Hinds: The goal for 2024 is to continue to grow our community and showcase our collaborations with brands that we love along the way! When it comes to our long-term goal, I want to share the incredible dog clothing items that I have been working on so stay tuned!
