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 Tai (Hubert Archibald the First'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?
Parra: I got Hubert when I was home sick with Covid. I was freshly out of a long relationship, back to living on my own for the first time in years. I had wanted a merle Aussie (with blue eyes) for so long but hadn't been able get a big dog while in my past living arrangement. When I saw Hubert- an Australian Shepherd/Bernese mountain dog mix with piercing blue eyes and long luscious tail, I knew it was kismet.
The amount of comfort and joy that Huey brought me during that transition was immeasurable. Literally all I needed was a quick glance at his (more often then not, insane) blue eyed stare and I'd have a smile on my face.
That got me thinking.. would others find as much happiness when scrolling through their feed and seeing Hubert staring back? Turns out the answer was yes!
Life's too serious. Sometimes it seems like there's always someone or something trying to bring you down, so I really wanted Huberts account to be an escape from that. I wanted to share the laughs that he was always drawing out of me with other pet obsessed people.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Parra: Although I like to think that Hubert is a majestic specimen of a dog, he definitely has moments where you can tell there is not one single thought behind those adorable icy blue eyes. He'll get this stare where you can tell he is absolutely zoned out. It tends to give him this look like he's having some internal crisis and I feel like people can really relate with that feeling because lets face it, who isn't have at least one menty b on a daily basis!
When his eyes aren't the star of the show, his ears take the spotlight. Hubert loves to ruin (or make it, depending on your persepective!) a photo/video by putting his ears in what @foxredpreggy calls 'goblin ears'. People have begun pointing out how this makes him look like he's bald on the top with hair only at the sides of his head. It's really giving Hubert ArchiBALD a complex but people love it!
When it all comes together I feel like he embodies every socially awkward person who's just trying their best
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Parra: My absolute obsession with Hubert leads to me having a copious amount of photos/videos of him on my phone. For the most part, I'm able to use footage I already have and tie it in with audio that I resonate with or that got a giant laugh out of me.
I'm by no means a professional; I don't need my content to be perfect. It's solely meant to bring a laugh and/or a smile to someone else's face. That mindset really helps me make sure that I'm still enjoying the creative process that comes with having a dog account on social media.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Parra: I've been lucky to not have been met with any negativity on social media.
The negativity usually comes from within. Although Hubert's account is meant to be fun, the feeling of inadequacy can definitely hit. It's hard not to compare yourself or your pet to other accounts out there.
When those feelings pop their ugly head up, I just try and remind myself that social media isn't a competition. And often times, it's not painting the full picture. You're comparing yourself to a tiny snipit of someone else's life.
Use what you see on other people's account as a tool to grow- grow within and also grow your bond with your pup, not as something to rank yourself next to!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Parra: You have to really ask yourself- What's stopping you?
I feel like more times than not, people are waiting for an opportunity to present itself. But that's just silly, go out and create those opportunities. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll have the world seeing everything that makes your pup so darn special.
And don't forget to have fun with it, it's a dog page- it doesn't have to be serious! Whether you have 200 followers or 10k, your pets instagram page will serve as an eternal scrapbook for you to look back on to remind you of all the special moments you've had during this wonderful journey of being a pet owner.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Parra: As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression some days are a struggle. I'll look around and find chores piling up. I scroll through my phone and see messages I've failed to reply to. I think of another goal I've yet to achieve.
Hubert has always been able to pick up on any little shift in my energy, even as a puppy. He's made it his number one priority to provide support whenever I need it, without me even having to ask him.
Gentle kisses, deep pressure therapy (without ever having been taught it), snuggling up close, nudging his head under my hand so I have something to pet and help ground me.
It's incredible how in tune he is with me.
People thought the timing of me getting him was crazy since it was so soon in to my new journey of starting fresh- single and living on my own for the first time in five years. But I honestly don't know where I'd be without him, he's my heart dog.
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?
Parra: The most memorable moments with Hubert are always the unplanned ones. The one's where i'm just sitting in my apartment and I turn to find him staring in to another dimension with absolutely zero thoughts running through his mind.
Him being able to draw me out of my head and give me an unexpected, deep from the belly laugh are always moments that I cherish and will keep with me forever.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Parra: The unexpected friends we've made along the way!
Being a dog influencer connects you with an endless group of like minded individuals who want the same thing you want- to give their pet the best life possible.
These friends have taught me so much. Better ways to train a somewhat reactive pup, amazing small businesses to buy from, healthier treat options, enrichment games. Honestly the list of what I've learned from them goes on and on!
You put out all of this content that you hope touches people, but you also get it back tenfold!
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Parra: We do have goals of being a bit more outdoorsy once the warm weather comes back (hopefully sooner rather than later). We also hope to find some dog friendly airbnb/cabin stays so we can do some longer trips out in nature. So plan to see some hiking content soon!
Hopefully we'll also have some more brand collaboration coming shortly so we can share products we love with our followers!
