DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Mendo, Instagram's Viral Balancing Vizsla

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 Nicole (Mendo'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?

Nicole: We wanted to learn more about Mendo's breed so we joined to learn more about him, but we stayed to share Mendo. We had no idea there was such a huge dog community on social media. Our main goal with sharing Mendo is to spread positivity and brighten people's day. Mendo has a lot of love to give and makes others smile with his cute antics. He has such a big personality. He's helped us through hard times and we're glad he can spread joy to others as well. As psychologists with backgrounds in animal behavior from years of volunteer work at shelters we enjoy seeing the dog loving community.

What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?

Nicole: All dogs are good dogs and we love them all. I think what sets Mendo apart is he has some unique skills with stalking and balancing. He's very versatile. As a hunting breed, he is very good at stalking, but the thing he hunts is his ball. He will hunt his ball to the end of the earth. He plays ball hide n seek, he'll jump into the pool for his ball, sometimes he'll even sleep with it. He has always been a naturally slow stalker and can balance things on his head while he does it. He looks adorable when he's in hunting mode. He gets "Dobby" ears and his nose wiggles back and forth. He has an intensity about him that people find humorous. He has the sweetest face and personality. He is very loving and loyal and Velcro with his family. Our family enjoys fantasy and having whimsical fun together and he just wants to be a part of all our family activities. He's a very good sport! It's hard not to adore him.

How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?

Nicole: We mostly like to share Mendo doing his thing, like stalking his ball, swimming, or playing in the woods. Sometimes we get silly together and play dress up. He drives the process. The little humans sometimes have ideas they want to try. It's important to us he's having fun or doing what he loves. We believe it's important Influencers have a code of conduct and do no harm. We try to keep our content positive and something that would bring joy to others. If Mendo doesn't enjoy something, we wouldn't film it. He's our priority. We are grateful he is happy to be included in our family's shenanigans. For example, the little human likes to make flower crowns and clay objects for Mendo to try on. He is considered family so he'll dress up with us and is so happy just to be included.

Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?

Nicole: I have found overall the dog loving community is supportive and positive. It's the Internet so of course there will always be people who are struggling and may project negativity, but if you are willing to look at their behavior as a reflection of the state of their relationship with themselves rather than it being about you, you can react in a way that doesn't add to the negativity. The way I look at it is you never know what someone is going through so you should be kind. You never know who you're talking to, it could be a child, someone with a disability, or someone who has just lost someone. Many will tell you that negativity fuels more engagement, but I don't need that kind of engagement. I'd rather find the people who enjoy my dog as much as I do than have a larger following with negative interactions. You have to look at your goals and that helps you filter. Our goal is to spread positivity so if someone is impacting that goal I may decide to block them. If you have a "troll," don't be afraid to block them. Social media is for fun and should have a positive effect on your mental health.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?

Nicole: I would say first and foremost make sure to have fun with your dog. It can take a long time to build a following so just focus on what makes you and your dog happy. Their lives are short so enjoy them as much as possible. I think it's important not to force your dog into uncomfortable situations for a funny video, but rather find what makes your dog special to you and share that. Find your why. Why are you here? For us it's to raise the vibration of the world, that may sound grandiose, but what we are exposed to has a big impact on ourselves and others. We want to make positive contributions. If we can give back we do. Lastly, be smart about what you share. Sadly, the Internet does have predators. Make sure you understand privacy settings if you're going to be posting.

How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?

Nicole: Mendo is family. He has been a part of all family activities since he's joined. He definitely keeps us more active on a regular basis. He is a wonderful snuggle buddy. He is emotionally supportive and brings a lot of joy to us. He makes us laugh more. We really enjoy his company. Of course having a pet is incredible for little humans. It teaches them so much, like compassion and how to care for someone. He is a really good companion for our geriatric deaf and mostly blind dog Kiwi. He lets her sleep on top of him to stay warm and guides her around when out and about. They run together and he helps keep her from running into things. We never taught him to be a guide dog, but he does it naturally for her, it's pretty amazing to watch.

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?

Nicole: For Halloween we all dressed up as Stranger Things and we hiked to the top of a mountain and acted our little hearts out for a video. We looked ridiculous and couldn't stop laughing. Even though Mendo was wearing a demogorgon costume and had his entire family acting very goofy around him he was still laser focused on stalking his ball. We all had so much fun, that's what it's all about.

What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?

Nicole: My favorite thing about being a dog influencer I think is when people tell me "I was having a really hard day and this made me smile." We get immense joy from spreading joy. Our humanity comes from how we see ourselves not as apart from others but by our connection to others. Dogs know this and live this. They are truly a gift and magical beings. Us humans are still learning how to connect and share joy. It does help quite a lot to see yourself as part of a greater whole. Everything you do has some effect, some impact. We like to believe Mendo is having a positive impact on others.

Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?

Nicole: Of course! There's always a long list of ideas we have. It's a matter of finding the time to do it all. Everyone has been telling me how much Mendo looks like a deer so that's our next post. Mendo as Bambi. The little human has been making flower crowns so I'm sure Mendo will get to try them on as well.