Since we’re new to this, we get to do the newbie questions for this challenge.  Whee!  Here it goes!

1. When did you begin your blog?

May 15, 2011.  I cheated and actually went back to look up when this whole thing got started and kept going..which amazes me since I’m not always good at keeping blogs/journals going!

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

This blog started as a personal blog to talk about the dogs, the sports we do and other dog-related goodies.  It gave me a way to track the progress and growth of the hoard and myself as I grew through different venues too!

3. Is your current purpose the same?

Pretty much. 

If not, what’s different?

It’s slowly turned into an educational and personal blog.  While it’s primarily dog sport and pit bull oriented, we aim to work for all breeds since dog sports are open to all breeds and I’d personally rather see all dogs active and happy.

If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?

We’ve kept it to the topics of dog sports, our personal training quests and what nots.

4. How often do you post?

At least once or twice a week.  I try for more but alas, working a billion hours a week and being harassed by some VERY needy dogs doesn’t make it any easier.  Ha!

5. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

When the spirit moves me.  I love writing and this gives me an outlet.  Sadly, I’m also plagued by writer’s block a lot.  It usually happens right in the middle of a phenomenal, research intense blog and it makes me want to rip out my hair.

If you publish on a schedule, why? How strict are you about your publishing deadlines? What do you do for inspiration when it feels like you’ve covered every topic?

If you don’t publish on a schedule, why? How do you think your decision affects your audience? How do you know when a topic is “post-worthy?”

6. How much time do you spend writing your blog per week? How much time visiting other blogs? Share your  tips for staying on top of it all.

I’ve got a handful of blogs I read religiously for training ideas and what not but I spend time bouncing all over the Interwebz searching for new ideas and things that can be done with dogs.  When I write, it’s usually at least two hours per blog since many of the blogs I write require a fair amount of research.  As for tips on staying on top of it, I’d be the last person asking that.  I am an odd duck when it comes to that.  Heh.

7. How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)?

I never really expected Work-A-Bull to be as popular as it’s become but it is and we’re pretty proud of how far it’s come.

Do you look strictly at the numbers, or do you have a way of assessing the quality of those interactions?

I look at the numbers since I don’t get a lot of comments on the blog (though more happen via the Facebook page) but for me, I enjoy the simple joy of writing.

8. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

Kill the writers block that enjoys plaguing me when I actually WANT to write but can’t seem to find an appropriate topic – especially in the dog sports off season!

9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2013?

I would absolutely love to hit 10,000 views.  I’m at a good start with 3,427 for now.  Whee!

Well, I guess that’s it!  This was awesome!  I can’t wait until next year and until then, enjoy the blog hop for other participants. Whee!