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 Anna (Cowboy & Lady'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?
Slusser: Ever since I was a kid I’ve always wanted dogs. I’ve dreamt of owning and training my own dogs. Now that I have my own it’s so incredibly fun to make videos and have other people enjoy my content as much as I do.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Slusser: Honestly, I don’t think my dogs are set apart from others on social media. I’d like to think my content is created for pet parents so they understand my dogs aren’t perfect and my dogs aren’t special! Do they know fancy tricks? Sure. But both of my dogs struggle with their own issues. I love to make content so people understand they’re not alone! Cowboy and lady’s training wouldn't be where it's at without some struggle and hard times. So I love to show people that it’s normal to struggle!
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Slusser: I love posting content that I would enjoy. Ever since middle school I would go on YouTube and watch different dog videos, from service dog handling, to dog shows, to IGP competitions. I’ve always enjoyed watching people's process of how they got their puppy to where they are now and that’s what my page is all about. What it’s like raising and teaching Cowboy and Lady and the struggles we go through in the process.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Slusser: Sure, there’s always going to be people that disagree with teaching methods, opinions I have about dog training, or something as simple as what collar my dogs are wearing. Being a people pleaser, sometimes it’s really hard to hear other people’s negative opinions about my dogs. But that doesn’t stop me from creating content. My page brings me purpose and happiness and I’m not going to sacrifice that for someone's opinions.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Slusser: Do it! I started this page for my family and friends to see and now it’s something I look forward to every day. I’ve made a community online. I have friends all over the US all because of this account. I haven’t regretted it one bit.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Slusser: Cowboy has been one of the biggest changes in my life. I got him when he was a puppy and he has taught me so much. He’s given me a purpose. And now that I have Lady I can use what I learned to help her through her behavioral problems. If I didn’t have Cowboy and Lady, it would be very difficult for me to stay motivated. They get me out of bed in the morning and they help me accomplish what I need to get done. My life has improved so much since they have come into my life.
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?
Slusser: When Cowboy was a smaller puppy, maybe about 4 or 5 months old, I would walk him around my neighborhood a lot. The mailman was delivering packages and he spots Cowboy. He pulls his truck up to me and asks if he can pet Cowboy. I said yes and we ended up talking for a little bit. He told me that he had a German shepherd that just passed away at the age of 5 a couple months prior. He said that his German shepherd looked exactly like Cowboy so he had to stop and see him. It made me so emotional to think of someone’s best friend being taken away from them. But also made me so happy that Cowboy doesn’t just bring joy to me but to others as well.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Slusser: I love all of the friends and community I’ve made over the past year. It’s So refreshing to know I have friends that love their dog as much as I do and put as much work into them as me. I have friends I talk to on the daily that send me memes, share advice back and forth, and talk about where we’re at in our training. It’s so cool to know I have a small community spread throughout the US.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Slusser: My husband and I plan on taking multiple trips this year and bringing the dogs with us. We are so incredibly excited to be able to bring them and have new adventures with them this year. We are going to be having a lot of “firsts” with them. First beach experience, first snow, first pool day. I just know it’s going to be so much fun!
