DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Sprinkles, Instagram's Famous Dachshund Best Known As The "Side-Eye King"

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 Emily (Sprinkles's Human). You can find a direct link to their Instagram here.

Here is their story:

Dog Influencer Interview

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?

Strober: After graduating in college, I experienced anxiety for the first time in my life. I had so many life changes and was second-guessing my career path. I had been wanting a dog for a while but it never felt like the “right” time. I say right in quotes because sometimes the wrong time is actually perfect. For example, I got Sprinkles while I was still job searching which to some seemed irresponsible. I needed him though to get through these anxious months. Right when I got him I started posting on TikTok and he went viral. I had several videos reaching millions of views. It was really my distraction from everything going on in my life!

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

Strober: Aside from his intense side eye and being known as the “Side Eye King” we always try to keep it real. Transparency is really important to me, especially when social media can be really deceiving. If I’m having a tough day or Sprinkles isn’t feeling well, I like to be open about it. Life isn’t perfect and dachshund parenthood isn’t either. I like to show ALL of it because it’s important to be authentic. I feel like my followers really know us!

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

Strober: Honestly, I have no process. I just post what feels right & whatever comes to mind. If you were to scroll back to my old posts, it’s so obvious that my content evolves as I grow and change. Sometimes I like hopping on a trend, but overall I just post what is relevant in my life.

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

Strober: Oh yes! I would say overall the positivity definitely outweighs the negativity, but when you’re putting everything out there for two years straight, there are gonna be some negative comments. Especially as a Jewish creator, I have seen my fair share of antisemitic comments. I proudly wear my Star of David necklace in all of my videos and often speak about Jewish traditions that I include Sprinkles in. Comments are especially brutal on TikTok, but it won’t stop me from proudly speaking about my ethnicity & religion!

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

Strober: This is probably very cliché, but seriously just keep posting. To be successful in any job you need to work hard and be consistent. The same thing goes for growing a social media account. If you’re starting it with the intention of just wanting money or followers this is definitely the wrong job for you because you have to really love this to dedicate so much time to it. I basically have been doing this non-stop for two years because I love sharing our life and connecting with my followers.

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

Strober: Oh, I seriously have no idea where I would be without him! Like I said, I got him at a point in my life where my mental health was declining. His company, love and crazy personality has kept me sane for the past two years. I am so lucky and grateful to have him in my life. We do everything together he really is my best friend.

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?

Strober: This is kind of a unique answer, but we recently started a dachshund meet up group here in Tampa, FL! I met a fellow dachshund parent at a local dog park and we decided to start this group together. We call our dogs the “founding fathers” of the group which always makes me laugh. Sprinkles absolutely loves being around other dachshunds, and the social aspect of meeting others and owners every month is so much fun for me. I love this is something that we can do together and provide a safe space for other dachshunds in the community!

What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?

Strober: It’s a little crazy for me to say this, but I have met some of my best friends through Sprinkles’ social media accounts! Some of these friends I haven’t met in person because they live halfway around the world. One of my good friends lives in Australia who found our account early on & we have done a USA/Australia snack swap which was so much fun. So, overall it has to be the amazing people I have met and the community I have created!

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

Strober: At the start of 2024, I released an e-Guide talking about how I cured Sprinkles' separation anxiety with the help of my dog trainer and lots of trial and error. Seeing people get their life back with my tips has been extremely rewarding so I’m looking to create another guide in the near future!