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 Lauren (Grizz'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?
Shaefer: It started as a way to dump all of the photos I was taking of Grizz somewhere that wasn't Facebook or my personal account...but it quickly turned into something better. I became a part of a community that inspired and pushed me to be a better photographer and dog owner in general. Creating relationships with people online and knowing that I can inspire them to start their photography journey, be good dog owners, and get outside more is huge. It's also just a great way for me to share my passion with other people who understand it too and don't just think I'm weird for taking photos of my dog.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Shaefer: I don't think Grizz is any better or more special than any other dog I've seen on IG. Heck...he looks like 99% of the other Aussies on the app. However, I do think he makes some of the absolute best faces. He has such a goofy personality and I love sharing the photos and videos of that with our followers. People seem to love Grizz even more for that goofiness and it always makes me so happy that other people appreciate him as much as I do.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Shaefer: Honestly, no. I usually take my camera with us on hikes, and I'll just shoot whatever inspires me. I'm not very good at planning content or coming up with really good post ideas, I just take photos when I'm feeling inspired!
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Shaefer: All. The. Time. I think it's impossible to be a part of social media and not experience negativity. I've had to remind myself that all of this stuff is online and does not affect my real life offline. If something bothers me, all I have to do is keep scrolling or close the app. If I am dealing with someone I think may be toxic for my mental health or we don't get along, I will just unfollow or block to keep the negativity away.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Shaefer: Post the pictures! We all start somewhere and it usually starts with phone pictures that we take on walks, while they're sleeping, while they're playing, etc. Pick a niche that you want to be a part of and start making connections and posting content catered to that community. I wanted to be a part of the "outdoor adventure" community, so I started taking photos of Grizz when we were outside and following those types of accounts. I know people who have cozy home accounts, dog and book accounts, urban accounts...the list goes on. It's just a matter of finding the community where you feel most at home and inspired.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Shaefer: I think Grizz has really helped me to do two things. 1, to practice patience. With him being reactive, I have had to learn how to take a deep breath and slow down. I've had to learn that it's okay to not be perfect all the time, and we're allowed to take things slow, even if it's at a different pace than the people around us. 2, embrace the outdoors. I grew up enjoying the outdoors, but I don't think I ever really appreciated them as much as I do now with Grizz. I've learned to love every moment that I'm out there whether it's a walk around the neighborhood, or a hike in the mountains.
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?
Shaefer: Every photoshoot I do with Grizz is memorable and funny honestly. He has so much personality that it makes everything we do a whole event. I think I typically walk away with more blooper photos than serious ones.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Shaefer: The people for sure. I love the dog community on IG and all of the incredible people that are a part of it. The fact that I have friends from all over the world is truly the coolest thing ever to me. I know people in Australia, Europe, Canada, South America...the list goes on. It's incredible that sharing photos of our dogs can bring so many wonderful people together.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Shaefer: Whatever the world wants to bring us! We don't have any set plans or projects in the works. I have lots of goals for 2024 that I want to accomplish, but I don't have anything set in stone yet. I think my biggest goal is just to continue posting photos of the pup I love and sharing all of the wonderful adventures we get to go on.
