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 Nate (Bear'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?
Langley: Getting Bear was actually a needed step in personal development for me. For much of my life, the idea of responsibility has felt to me like a hindrance to freedom...A barrier. So when my fiance began talking about wanting to get a dog, I thought about the perceived negatives (travel will be harder, we'll be more tied down, etc)... I'm also leaving out the part where I lost my 2 yr old Golden when I was 12 and swore off ever feeling that attached to anything again. Moving into a headspace where I was ready to accept responsibility for a dog, I wanted to challenge my perspectives around dog ownership. What if having a dog meant more adventure, what if somehow having him in my life put me into a mindset to create more freedom... So sharing about our journey with Bear on social media has always been about exploration. A lot of the literal side of that has come out thus far, but there's much more on the emotional and mental side still to come. I see Bear as being a conduit for people to examine how they're bringing adventure and exploration into their lives.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Langley: The reason Bear's content has caught on is it highlights the unique relationship between man and dog. Using nature as a backdrop to shine a light on just how special and transformative this relationship can be. So far, production value has been quite low, so really all that's there is me and how much I love this little guy and these simple little adventures we go on being so meaningful because we're together. All content that takes off shares the distinct characteristic of tapping into deep universal truth.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Langley: Part of this answer is simply noticing. Perhaps it's a unique thing you feel or observe, then finding a way to share that and learning it's actually very commonly felt. Shared experience creates the conditions for community. The other part is understanding the layers of humanity we tend to cut out of ourselves and paste over our dogs' experiences. Tapping into that makes content more shareable and relevant. Also, not taking it too too serious. Bear is a dog, I'm some guy who hangs out with him and we do things.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Langley: Yes, I believe no matter how wholesome or positive the intent, if your message or content reaches enough screens, there will be negativity and criticism coming back at you. I've used the negativity as an opportunity to practice my skills in stepping into conflict. Doing it in a way though that acknowledges the human behind the keyboard. We have several of our comments on the account that have thousands of likes because I didn't set out to destroy the negative commenter, I set out to clarify my position, while also holding space for theirs. What I've just written here is not BS, I really believe this.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Langley: Do what's fun to you. Do what's funny to you. It's an account about your dog, this is your chance to express freely. Maybe it will rub off on you.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Langley: I've been struggling with auto immune illness for over five years. Having Bear in my life has given me the opportunity to focus on someone outside of myself. To care for them. To pour into them. So on my bad days, I can't think as much about how bad I feel, he's still there and needs my love and attention.
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?
Langley: The first time I ever took him for a short hike, I had no idea how he would do with obedience, energy, attention, etc. About ten minutes in, once we were away from the trailhead start point, I let him off leash and he scampered up in front of me by about 20 yards and stopped and looked back. I said "Bear Come" not knowing what would happen and sure enough he came right to me and sat at my side. He repeated this over and over that day and has to this day. I have this on tape. Many of his followers find his recall to be endearing and cute.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Langley: Connecting with people all over the world on a simple subject like love for our pets.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Langley: Bear is going to be a full blown hiker dog and will accompany on many adventures. He's not old enough to hike that far yet, but there's a lot coming soon. We live in Sedona, so even at home we have an epic backdrop for adventure.
