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 Cheryl (Oliver and Wilbur'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?
Chu: My journey into dog influencing began with a simple desire: to document every precious moment of my dog's growth from puppyhood to adulthood. Like many dog owners, I found joy in capturing these milestones, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when I got my first dog, Oliver as a puppy. Capturing every adorable expression and funny moment became a passion of mine. When our second pup, Wilbur, joined, it became even more exciting to highlight their relationship and special bond.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Chu: Oli and Wilby are undeniably silly in their own way, and my goal is to capture and share these authentic, unfiltered moments along with our journey as dog parents. I do believe that every dog owner sees their furry companions as unique, and I’d like to think that it’s our relatable quality that defines our content.
I also use our platform as a means to educate and share our experiences as French Bulldog owners. While the breed is undeniably popular for their cuteness and humor, I try to advocate for proper pet care and emphasize responsible Frenchie ownership through easy-to-watch content.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Chu: Honestly, there's no fixed formula for us, and I recognize trends and social media moves quickly. I consciously avoid getting caught up in numbers or algorithms, focusing on creating content that genuinely brings us joy.
In saying that, I love keeping up with trends and cultural happenings. This does help me develop an instinct of what types of content resonate with audiences. This understanding subtly guides the creation of our reels and TikToks. I also try not to stick to one format and push myself to experiment with different styles of videos as a content creator.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Chu: We've encountered a few haters on the breed, but hey, we’re just a dog account here to spread cheer and positivity so I don’t get too affected by them. While I do engage respectfully with some comments, I mostly let them be, understanding that people have their opinions.
Keeping up with social media can sometimes bring on creative fatigue. I take breaks to regain clarity and keep things authentic. After all, it's all about sharing the joy Oli and Wilby bring me and hopefully spreading a bit of happiness to others too!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Chu: Starting a dog influencer account can be incredibly enjoyable. First, identify your purpose—whether it's sharing cute moments, training tips, or simply bringing joy through humour.
Reflecting on what you want to achieve will guide the content creation process and help you stay consistent. It's important to find what works for you and your dog, ensuring that both of you enjoy the process. For instance, my dogs don't like posing for photos and I've found that capturing candid, real moments better captures their personalities through videos.
While it's natural to want engagement and growth, try not to be overly fixated on numbers. Enjoy the process, engage with the community, and have fun!
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Chu: Oli and Wilby have transformed my life. They've become catalysts for building real-life connections—fostering friendships and even leading to unexpected work opportunities. They also continue to be real-life conversation starters – random strangers often stop us for a chat just because of them! Last but not least, they have also inspired the creation of Muse Pets, a small business born out of our shared love for caring for our dogs.
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?
Chu: Well, the thing about Oli and Wilby is that every moment turns out to be memorable with them. Most of the time, the content we share is completely unplanned. They have this knack for doing something silly or endearing without even trying. I adore capturing them in their natural habitat, being the goofy and adorable characters they are. It's these unscripted moments that truly reflect their personalities. To catch these funny moments as they unfold, you'll have to follow them on their social accounts ;)
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Chu: I love the aspect of constantly engaging with trends and culture. Beyond sharing fun content of our dogs, it provides us with a platform to express our perspective on things we deeply care about, such as breed education and pet care. I also cherish the connections we've made, especially the rewarding collaborations with brands that align with our values.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Chu: We're looking forward to more adventures and experiences with Oli and Wilby this year. We have our first camping trip booked in a couple of months' time and I'm excited to capture every moment of that experience. Beyond sharing our everyday escapades and spontaneous moments, my aim is to continue growing as a content creator in ways that can also benefit the community.
