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 Maddie (Spencer'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?
Daniels-Smith: Well, when I was looking for a puppy, I came across lots of cocker spaniel Instagram accounts! I took the plunge and messaged a few to get to know more about the breed and find the right breeder for us! It soon became clear that there is such a lovely community on Instagram and TikTok for people all going through the same thing! Puppy life can be tough and nothing really prepares you for it! I saw lots of people posting about their experience and found it SO helpful. So I decided I wanted to do the same thing! Not only can I learn so much from others around me and even begin to offer advice myself, the best part is seeing how loved my puppy is and how much joy he can bring other people. He is our absolute happiness and being able to share him with others is just the best.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Daniels-Smith: I think Spencer just has quite the personality! He has little quirks that are sometimes unique to him but also across the breed and I think others love relating to him and being like ‘oh yes my dog does that too’ - sometimes they do such funny things and we don’t really focus on the behaviour, if that makes sense! He’s such a loveable little pup and I think that really comes across in our content. I also think the narration of his photos adds to the personality that our followers love!
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Daniels-Smith: I tend to take photos of Spencer, doing anything and everything. Then I’ll scroll through the photos and just make stories in my head about what I think he’s thinking! If I have a certain product I want to shoot with then I’ll think about how it fits Spencer’s personality, to make sure that shines through! But most of our content is just real everyday life and just what we get up to! It’s not very ‘planned’ at all.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Daniels-Smith: We are still very new and so have been lucky not to receive much negativity just yet! I’m aware it’s out there, we received a little controversy as we choose to crate train Spencer. Negative opinions on this don’t bother me as I know we always do what is best for Spencer! He’s at the centre of everything and so whilst people may be against crate training, he loves it and feels safe and that’s all that matters. For future negativity, I think it’s important I just don’t read into it! People are entitled to their opinions but as long as Spencer and those around us are happy and safe, that’s all that matters!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Daniels-Smith: To just be you! There are so many dog accounts out there so it’s important to be you- no one else can do that! Every dog has their own personality, just like every owner. Once you allow that to come through your content, I think that’s when people really start to engage! Don’t try and fit in with what you think people want to see, post your dog and how you see them! It’s unique and that’s what people love!
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Daniels-Smith: He is everything. He has changed so much for us. For me anxiety has been a battle I have faced for years. Spencer has given me a focus and a purpose. He shows me that I will always be loved and that life really is simple. He just wants love and to be fed and he’s happy- I think we need more of that! He grounds me, brings me back to the present when my mind tries to wander into worry- he’s just the best.
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?
Daniels-Smith: I think one of the videos that brings back the best memories is when Spencer is having his first puppuccino. We took him to a cafe on Christmas Eve, when he was still very small. He had his first puppuccino and got it everywhere. But looking back on that video and the way he’s just watching people go past just the innocence and pure joy is just so lovely. Knowing it was Christmas Eve and our little family was out for brunch is a lovely memory, captured by a very sweet video.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Daniels-Smith: Seeing people’s reactions for sure! Receiving messages and comments from people who have found our content funny or cute is just so lovely. I also feel so lucky that people want to see what Spencer gets up to! It just gives me an excuse to take more photos of him!
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Daniels-Smith: We have a few collabs coming up, which is new for us! We have been approached by a few brands but we’ve been careful to only agree to show what we think represents us! We’re so excited to take more photos and videos and reach an even bigger audience!
