DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Wallen, Orange County's Favorite Golden Retriever

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 Haley (Wallen'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?

Miller: Dogs have always been a major cornerstone of both mine and my husband’s lives, bringing us tremendous joy and love throughout each of our early childhoods into the present day. We’ve each loved and lost some of the most amazing family dogs one could ever dream of loving, and know that while their memories live forever, they unfortunately cannot. With that in mind, when my husband and I made the decision to get our very first dog together, I knew I wanted to document every single moment possible. I wanted the moments to not only live in my head (where they will get harder to hold onto with crisp clarity as the years go by) but I also wanted them to live somewhere permanently, in a story format. I wanted to share our dog’s love with others, knowing not everyone is so lucky to have a dog. My I husband and I dreamed of having a dog together for 5 years before we were in a position to get one, so we know what it’s like to have to live vicariously through other’s videos & pictures (trust me, we send far too many to each other daily!). If Wallen can bring others joy in the same way he brings us joy, that would make us so happy.

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

Miller: Wallen has an infectious personality. He truly does. You can’t be sad around him. Even if you were sad, he would certainly just lick those kisses right off your face faster than you could blink! Wallen’s still young (November 2023 baby), but we’re hoping to start taking him on little adventures once it’s safe to do so and show people that you can create an incredibly fulfilling life for your dog just by giving them the same love they give us, simple and pure love. Even if those adventures are at home, make each day count and take time to love on them. You’ll be glad you did.

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

Miller: I am biased (aren’t we all?!) but I think everything my dog does is the cutest ever. So I tend to record literally everything he does. This helps me have plenty of footage for when I find an audio that I like! Typically, I find audios by scrolling the explore page or my feed (shoutout frens!) and then I scroll through the audio’s reels & try to think about how Wallen can put his own unique spin on it. I also will say, since Wallen is so young, I currently find myself drafting up in my head a lot of his “first” events. So for example, “first rainy day” or “first time meeting my cousin” or “first pup cup.” These might be longer form content videos (that I know Instagram doesn’t necessarily prioritize), but this goes back to me wanting this to be a place to store up memories and spread happiness. I want to cherish all his firsts & have somewhere I can go to see his little eyes light up & his tale wagging when he saw his first snowfall, or went to the beach for the first time. It’s those moments I know I will cherish forever, and hopefully along the way we’ll spread a little cheer.

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

Miller: I think when you start posting your dog like he’s an influencer, you’re going to face some criticism for sure. People have said that it’s cringey or that it’s over the top, but I think you have to equally remind yourself of the people who are finding joy from your content. I acknowledge that maybe some people aren’t dog people, and while that’s a lifestyle I cannot relate to, I have to understand. I’m content in knowing these memories I’m building will be a forever monument to the pup that will one day raise our human children alongside us, and that… that makes any negative comment 1000% worth it.

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

Miller: Go for it! It’s never too early or too late to start sharing his/her memories and spreading joy. That said, never expect family / friends to follow the account. Some try to follow their friends / family on the new account to get quick traction going & start your follow growth. I think this can apply an awkward pressure on family and friends & can potentially even cause them to guilt follow but then never interact with your content which would ultimately hurt engagement. Instead, feel free to share the account on a story of your personal account & let people that are interested naturally follow as they desire. This will help ensure his followers are genuine & make sure there’s no pressure on anyone!

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

Miller: He’s made the days slower. Not just in the fact that with his small bladder currently we’re waking up at 5:30am (lol) but he’s made them slower in the best way possible. In the way that makes you look away from your computer filled with emails to get on the floor and soak in puppy cuddles. In the way that forces you to get outside and see the sunrise. In the way that opens the door to you spending more 1 on 1 time with your spouse in the morning before work. He truly has brought us closer together and made us feel like an even better team together. I have a stronger love for my husband seeing him love Wallen. There’s something about sharing the responsibility of taking care of a dog together that makes you feel connected on a new level & makes us feel more prepared for other things in our lives like eventually adding kids to our family.

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?

Miller: In our house we have a playful rule that if the dog sleeps on your feet you can’t go anywhere; you’re stuck until he wakes up. So one day recently my husband and I were discussing who would do the dishes and, like the little mama’s boy Wallen is, he immediately plopped down on my feet & solidified the vote that my husband would be doing them. We both laughed because the timing was impeccable.

What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?

Miller: The dog IG community. Everyone is SO supportive and loving. My goodness, I’ve never met kinder people. Everyone is truly so sweet & genuinely cares. If you have a question about what food to feed, how to sooth crate anxiety, etc. everyone is so giving of their time and resources. I feel blessed to be in this niche! I think it’s truly the best group on IG.

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

Miller: He’s almost ready to go on outdoor adventures, so we plan to take him to the beach for the first time as well as the snow (hopefully, pending weather). We also plan to visit the central coast and take him on some trails & spacious beaches.