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 Vanessa (Freddie'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?
Kamiya:Vanessa: I never meant for Freddie to become a Dog Influencer. Back in 2019, I started sharing his pics on my private account on Intagram just because he's a cutie. But then, towards the end of 2020, I decided to create an Instagram account dedicated to him, initially to share his daily moments with close friends and family, and eventually, to connect with other dog enthusiasts and make some online ‘furfriends'.
During this journey, I crossed paths with fellow dog owners who have since become cherished friends. Many of them also run social media accounts for their dogs, not just for sharing their lives but also for forging partnerships, exchanging insights on dog behavior, health, and daily routines.
All this experience inspired me to contribute by sharing tips on how I trained and cared for Freddie. Turns out, it wasn't just me who found it helpful – other dog parents loved the tips too. Social media became this awesome playground where we could swap stories, creating a cool community where dog care wisdom flowed freely among all of us who share the same furball passion!
And to my surprise, within a year Freddie's got 10k followers, and he become practically a doggy influencer since then.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Kamiya:Vanessa: Freddie's Instagram is all about his one-of-a-kind personality, his daily adventures, and a good sprinkle of humor! This big boy is not just well-behaved but also a quick learner, this makes it exceptionally easy for me to capture his skills and whip up some awesome videos that truly showcase his character.
Even when I'm hopping on the latest trends in the social media world, I make sure to infuse every video with Freddie's essence. I want people to see him as Freddie, not just another Golden Retriever from Brazil. It's all about letting his unique charm shine through in every post!
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Kamiya: Vanessa: Honestly, a ton of ideas for Freddie's content just pop into my head while I'm doing anything related to it. Of course, it's not like I'm pulling references out of thin air, I'm not such creative as I wish – my brain is heavily influenced by all those hilarious videos and memes on explore pages and other profiles. I take inspiration from there and then give it a Freddie twist to create a whole story or video that's perfectly tailored to his personality.
My ultimate goal with Freddie's social media? Spreading good vibes and smiles. So, you'll mostly find Freddie doing hilarious things like grumpy or goofy faces, playing around with his dad, showing off his cool tricks, or just having a blast with his buddies. It's all about keeping it light, bringing on the joy and laughter!
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Kamiya: Vanessa: Oh, when a reel or a pic goes viral, you get this influx of folks who decide it's their mission to spread some negativity or throw shade in the comments. It's wild how a cute dog video can trigger some sour vibes in people. Honestly, it used to get me all fired up, reading those negative comments. But I try to get my zen mode on.
I don't bother engaging with the haters. Nope, no time for that drama. I just hit them with the block and restrict combo, and poof, they're outta there! Plus, I make sure to delete those vibes from the comment section.
After that, I send out some good vibes and prayers to Freddie, making sure none of that negativity sticks to his fuzzy paws. It’s my job keep the good energy flowing for our four-legged buddy!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Kamiya: Vanessa: If you're diving into this world, here's my advice: just be yourself. It's cool to draw inspiration, but never let go of your essence. That uniqueness and personality are what make your content truly fulfilling and authentic to you.
And just a friendly reminder: when it comes to your dog, it's all about the unique life you share with them. Their quirks, their vibe – that's the good stuff! Don't stress over likes or followers; their time with us is too short for that. Embrace the moments, and let their awesomeness shine!
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Kamiya: Vanessa: Freddie is my shining star on the darkest days. Having him around has made dealing with anxiety and its outcomes much lighter than ever. He's my daily dose of motivation, pushing me to be a better version of myself each day. Life's just more fun and lively with his furry influence.
And there is best: Freddie has introduced me to some incredible friends who share our love for all things furry. We hit up restaurants, explore parks, and yes, we've even been known to throw a birthday party for our doggies! Life's just got better with Freddie and our fantastic dog-loving crew.
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?
Kamiya: Vanessa: So, when Freddie hit 11 months, we decided it was great time to introduce him to the beach – dude had never dipped a paw in water before!
Picture this: he's strolling on the sand, living his best life, when out of nowhere, he spots a wave headed his way. Panic mode on and he tries to escape as fast as he could. But then, a plot twist! A few minutes later, Freddie's out there in the water, having the best time of his life!
Fast forward to today, and I'm pretty certain beaches and pools are like his personal paradise. Our boy's a true water enthusiast and you can totally catch those aquatic vibes on his Instagram!
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Kamiya:Vanessa: My absolute favorite part of being a dog influencer is connecting with other dogs and unexpectedly making fantastic friends along the way.
Ever since I embraced the role of a dog influencer, it's opened up my life to incredible people who've taught me so much about the pet world. This newfound knowledge has undoubtedly contributed to me providing better care for my dog, with the heartfelt hope that he enjoys a longer, fulfilling life.
As I continue to learn something new every day, I find immense joy in sharing my knowledge, making the journey incredibly rewarding.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Kamiya: My plan for us involves creating wonderful memories through travel with family and friends, exploring pet-friendly cities, and embracing the joys of the outdoors with Freddie, reveling in the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life.
And in the business world, I'm excited about teaming up with more brands we truly adore. It's not just about collaborations; it's about sharing our real-life, day-to-day experiences on social media. Let's spread the love for the things we use and genuinely enjoy, making every post a true reflection of our lifestyle!
