Your Shih Tzu, a Social Media Sensation? Tips and Tricks for Pawsitive Popularity

Published 07-24-2023

The world of social media can be a scary place for dogs. But it doesn't have to be! With the right tools and techniques, you can help your furry friend take advantage of the opportunities that come with being an Instagram star. Here are some tips and tricks for turning your Shih Tzu into a social media sensation

Shih Tzus are perfect for social media

If you're looking to turn your Shih Tzu into a social media sensation, there are a few things to consider. The first thing is that you need the right breed for social media. While many dog owners think their pooch would make a great Instagram star and post photos of them all the time, some breeds just aren't suited for this kind of attention.

Shih Tzus are one of those breeds that are perfect for social media because they have so many qualities that make them attractive: they're small and cute; friendly and playful; have a long history of being bred as companion animals (so they're comfortable around people); plus there's also something about their distinctive look that makes people want to take pictures with them!

Get your dog used to being around people.

Before you start posting photos of your dog on social media, it's important to get him used to being around people. The best way to do this is by taking him out and about in public as much as possible.

Start with family and friends, then move on from there. If your dog has a tendency toward shyness or anxiety when meeting new people--and most Shih Tzus do--you'll need some tools in your arsenal to help keep them calm during these encounters:

Treats

Dogs love treats, so give them one every time they act calmly around strangers (or even friends). Make sure the treat is something special that only comes out when they're being good at meeting new people; otherwise, they'll start associating treats with anything other than appropriate behavior. I like using freeze-dried chicken hearts because they're easy for little mouths and inexpensive enough that I don't feel bad giving lots of them out at once if needed!

Leash & harness combo

This will allow me more control over my pup when she gets excited about something interesting happening nearby--like another dog barking loudly somewhere else in line at Starbucks while waiting our turn at the register!.

Capture their favorite activities

Camera

The first step to creating a successful Instagram account is to make sure that your dog is doing something interesting. If they're just sitting there, yawning or staring off into space, it's not going to get many likes on social media.

To get good photos of your dog doing something interesting, you'll need a camera that can take good pictures. You don't want one of those digital cameras from 2006; get yourself an iPhone and use the portrait mode feature!

Lighting

Next comes lighting: natural lighting is best but if you don't have any windows in your house or apartment (or if it's raining outside), try using artificial light instead--but make sure it doesn't look too bright or else people won't know whether or not they should click "like."

Staging and Editing

Finally set up the shot so that everything looks nice and neat before taking several different shots from different angles so that no matter which photo gets chosen for posting later on social media sites such as Twitter or Pinterest (or even Facebook), everyone will be able to see what kind of adorable thing happened between owner/pet relations back then before both parties moved away from each other permanently due . . .

Use of props, costumes, or themed settings to add charm and appeal

After you've got your dog to sit, stay and pose in front of the camera, it's time to add some pizzazz! Here are some ideas:

Props

Use props like flowers or festive hats to make your photo shoot more fun. Remember to keep them small enough so they don't interfere with your subject's ability to breathe properly.

Costumes

Dress up in costumes with your pup as well as use costumes on him/her alone. You can even have different outfits for different occasions (ie Halloween) or themes (ie Christmas).

Make sure not too tight though because that could restrict movement which would mean fewer photos taken since most people won't want their dogs uncomfortable just so they can get one good shot out of 50 mediocre ones where everyone looks bored out of their minds!

If you're going all out then maybe consider getting custom-made ones by Etsy sellers who specialize in these things; just remember what we said about tightness above since most companies don't offer measurements when ordering online so double-check before buying anything new!

Themed settings

Set the stage for your Shih Tzu’s photos by selecting themed settings. Whether it's a cozy corner of your home, a beautiful outdoor location, or a specially decorated backdrop, themed settings can help create a unique atmosphere that complements your Shih Tzu’s personality or the story you want to convey. Consider seasonal themes, holiday setups, or locations that align with your Shih Tzu's interests.

Some tools that can help

Here are some tools that you can use to help your dog become a social media sensation:

Video editing software. You'll want to edit your videos so that they are as appealing and professional as possible. This will encourage viewers to watch them, which can lead to more followers and likes on Facebook or Instagram!

Video compressor. If the file size of your video is too large, it won't be able to be shared via social media networks like Facebook or Instagram. A good rule of thumb is that any video under 5 minutes should have a file size under 100 MB; otherwise, compression may be necessary before posting online (or else users will need high-speed internet).

GIF compressor. You can transform those videos into fun animated GIFs!

Conclusion

So, there you have it. The basics of how to make your Shih Tzu a social media sensation. We hope these tips have been helpful, and remember that the most important thing is to have fun with it!

About Janice

Janice is the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu. Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, she served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.

Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master's in Mental Health Counseling.

She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu.

When not writing, reading, or researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, her husband, and her family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Small Dog Place and smart knit crocheting.