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 Samantha (Ruby'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?
Fried: I have always loved photography and personally followed a number of dog accounts before getting Ruby, who is my first dog. The original intent of sharing Ruby's photos was to spare my family and friends from the barrage of photos I felt compelled to share. Never did I imagine what it would become.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Fried: We try and show everyday adventures. A happy pup who's exploring Long Island and other areas with a big smile on her face. We love vibrant flower fields, the beach, and all the parks - both national parks and local trails!
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Fried: We try and be very purposeful with our posts which can fall into a few buckets - large (and I mean large) sticks being carried, supporting small businesses, snapshots into our adventures, and just great pictures in everyday life....being such a photogenic, treat-driven pup helps! We try and check out the trends on the reels but I work full time and try and focus on creating the ones that best display Ruby and her personality.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Fried: We luckily have not faced any challenges directly on social media. We have curated some amazing relationships through the Instagram community that has brought nothing us but positivity and great friends. In real life, our biggest repetitive is off-leashed dogs in on-leash areas. I've seen so much support on social media rallying around this topic. Being able to chat with folks who have dealt with similar run ins, being able to follow trainers who provide best practices on how to de-escalate a situation - we're so grateful for all of that.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Fried: Know you and your dog and stick to the content that makes you comfortable! Don't put your dog (or yourself) in iffy situations for the sake of the 'gram! Reach out and have candid conversations with people. Genuine talks about content or training struggles, treat recommendations, commonalities like small businesses you support or similar breeds or personality traits! We've made some amazing friends because of our breeder's community, the small businesses we rep and support and more!
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Fried: Is there a word limit on this response? I'm so beyond grateful for Ruby - the unwavering love and companionship, the encouragement to get out daily - therefore improving my health and decreasing my stress, the connections and friendships I've made because of her, the patience, consistency, perseverance (whoa, the puppy stage was hard!) and responsibility I've learned. She has forced me to slow down and appreciate the moment. I am a better person because of her. At the end of the day, be the person your dog thinks you are!
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?
Fried: We had taken our first roadtrip to Acadia National Park. This was Ruby's first time really hiking and on one of the trails, there was a number rock scrambles. She is guaranteed to find a large stick anywhere we go and after getting through a section of the hike, she jumped onto a rock to rest for a second with her stick, not realizing the rock was a 45 degree angle as she slowly slid down the rock, stick in tow - she was totally fine, but flabbergasted at how she teleported down the rock!
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Fried: The relationships we've made, by far. I never imagined the friends I would make or that Ruby would make in real life when starting her account. Our breeder has created such an amazing network - we've met siblings on Instagram from all over the east coast thanks to social media. We've also had wonderful opportunities to partner with a number of small businesses and we're so proud to do so! And I mean, who doesn't love a feed full of puppies!
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Fried: I saw a great idea on social media around creating "adventure zones" of activities within a 1 hour, 2 hour, and 3 hour radius and committing to at least one of those adventures a month! I've mapped out our areas and excited to explore more as spring approaches. I'm also hoping to check a few more states off Ruby's list! Other than that, we're excited to explore new local parks and beaches, eat good treats, and maximize every day!
