Pet Blogger Challenge

One of the blogs I follow is Boulder Dog, whose author recently took the "Pet Blogger Challenge," and it inspired me to do the same.  The purpose of the challenge that I'm taking away is to re-assess why I'm putting the time & effort into the blog.  Which is something that's been clanking around in my head for awhile now.  So, here we go!

Much better than HBO.

When did you begin your blog?
July 2010, but I've not really done much with it until the past few months.


What was your original purpose?
Well, I wanted a place where I could work out some of my own questions regarding what was ok in terms of working with our clients' dogs, many of whom I spend only a few days with per year.  I don't want to use dominance methods (which I'll admit are pretty quick/temporary fixes, even if somewhat abhorrent), and yet I don't spend enough time with the pups to use positive reinforcement methods, which tend to take a longer amount of time to connect with the pups (not always, though!)

Then I found Neil Sattin's Natural Dog Blog, and I thought, "Here we go!" This, in combination with a bit of the other methods, can really help me to become a better pet sitter!

And that's the key.  I want to provide the dogs who stay with Après Pooch with the best possible care, the best experience.

Bella has been a bit "naughty" lately about hopping up on the couches uninvited.

Is your current purpose the same?
Wow, I have to admit... No, it's not.  Hmm.  Interesting!

The blog is now used as a place where I can post report cards (including pictures and videos) for clients' dogs.  I've completely left off any sense that the blog is for the dogs themselves and how I work with them.  Hmm.  Perhaps it's time to start a totally new blog for my clients' report cards.


How do you blog?
Well, my current technique is to schedule dates (at least once a week... yes I know it should be more often) when to post in my Google calendar.  And I've been pretty good about that.  Since I have little to no traffic (rather, I send my clients a link to the blog for them to check out their report card), nah, I'm not worried about losing readers.  :)


Are you generating income from your blog?
No, not directly, but it's part of my marketing and customer service efforts, so indirectly?  Yes.  I'm not concerned at all right now about trying to generate income through things like ads, etc. 

Spookie (my dad & stepmom's new addition)

What do you like most about blogging?
Marketing isn't all about the "sales push" anymore.  It's about gaining the trust of our clients, which is really important in the pet care business!  This blog is a way for me to share who I am and what I believe in.  A place to admit my shortcomings, to share my successes, and to encourage others to work on their own relationships with their dogs.


What do you like the least?
Having to learn it all!  It's quite time-consuming to learn the difference between and techniques of blogging, tweeting, facebook(ing), etc.  But we're getting there!


How do you see your blog changing in 2011?
I like the idea of going "back to my roots" and focusing more on my relationship with the dogs.  I'll definitely be creating a separate blog soon just for client notes. 

So glad I took this challenge!  I recommend it to others, because it'll help you gain a bit of clarity, which is a wonderful thing in our chaotic lives.



Go Take The Challenge yourself now!