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 Megan (Magnolia & Rosie'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?
Hall: I have never been an avid poster on any type of social media platform. But when I first got Magnolia my German Shorthaired Pointer I fell in love. She was everything I wanted in a dog and I wanted to show the world to meet my girl. We first started posting sleepy puppy photos. Which then turned into what she would eat and how our training was going. I was very proud of our hard work to loose leash walk as a "teenage" dog! Eventually our posting started to turn more into the dog sports we participate in and our typical dog filled weekends. (Fun fact: Magnolia was ranked the fastest GSP in AKCs 2023 fastcat season!)
Then our little Rosie came into our lives! Rosie was 6 months old when we got her. When Rosie came into our lives we "knew" about Australian Shepherds but we didn't really "know" about the breed. I mean we went from a dog that points like a statue to a dog that circles and nips! Being Rosie's second family made me really want to spread awareness about herding dogs. They are a lot, which can come off as reactive or aggressive. They are working dogs and you have to mentally work these dogs instead of physically. I love to post and share why herding dogs nip, why they circle, why they bark and why they love fetch. (I'll tell you now, it's not because they love to chase after something. They are really "herding" the toy back to you.)
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Hall: I have a bird dog and a herd dog. They couldn't be any more opposite from each other. I like to share our day to day life about them! Besides sharing their day to day life. I'm your typical dog mom that's also a dog trainer! I have high standards for my girls as a dog trainer. But, I also like to be your laid back fun dog mom. Dogs are dogs and they can never be 100% perfect. Sometimes you have to step back and laugh while watching them.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Hall: In the note book part of my phone I have tons of pages saved! From post ideas that I would like to see, posts I think would be funny or trending videos that I think dog owners would enjoy. I have hashtags saved and organized in different categories to make copying and pasting so much easier! I like to think my girls' content revolves around "dog sport dog moms". Your dog moms that compete in dog sports that are always spending money on entry fees, traveling, training, or researching. I love to post dog sport awareness any chance I get! The community is slowly growing with younger generations.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Hall: Thankfully I have never dealt with any challenges or social media negativity. I try to be conscious of what I post or share about. If it's something I'm very passionate about I will post it and explain my outlook on it. I want my page to bring happiness and help educate dog owners. I feel as if you really care about something and want to educate your followers, then go for it! But remember everything you post out into the world can always have a reaction. You just have to stand your ground and take everything with a grain of salt.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Hall: Post what brings you happiness and never make it feel like a job! Your dog's social media accounts should be fun and stress-free. Post anything without doubting yourself! Even if you think a post won't get many views, you just never know! Don't let numbers discourage you. From the amount of followers, viewers, or engagement you get. If you are happy then that's all that matters! Once you feel like you have to make it a full-time job you'll start to feel the pressure of things. You'll start to pay attention to numbers and doubt what you should and shouldn't post.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Hall: We've met a lot of friends! From seeing other dogs online that live close to our area or at events we go to. That's a new friend for us as a dog influencer owner that we can relate to. I can say being a dog influencer mom I have stepped out of my comfort zone a lot. That's me talking to people, mentioning the girls' accounts while out and about. I have actually started an interest in dog photography! Especially in sporting events. I would have never thought that I would love taking "professional" photos and editing them.
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?
Hall: I would say our funniest moment during a photo shoot would be the "ghost dog" trend. My husband is such a trooper and an AMAZING dog dad! He is always supporting us and helping us with our photos, positioning the girls or being our treat holder.
Our "ghost dog" was our funniest and more stressful photo shoot we've had. The girls weren't the stressful part, it was cutting the white plastic tablecloth to fit them! I cut two eye holes and a snout hole for Magnolia and showed my husband. He asked if the holes I cut were for a golden retriever! I had cut the holes so big that you could fit her entire face in the snout part. Needless to say I tried two more times and failed. I finally had to hand the tablecloth to my husband to cut properly.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Hall: Making new friends! Everyone has social media friends. You make online friends whether they have the same breed as you or different! You learn about their dog, you care about their dog and always wish the best for them. You always comment, like, or share their posts and vice versa. You make online friends who lift you up and are always supportive!
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Hall: We've done multiple jobs for the girls and are currently waiting on new ones to be approved! This year I want to focus on our Rosie girl! Magnolia has earned over 14 titles so far, Rosie has earned roughly 8 titles. But she is our youngest pup! I would love to pair up with Ruffland kennels or Impact crates! You can never have too many kennels while you participate in sports or traveling.
