Hi, I’m Ashliegh the owner of Dogs on Board, one of our pack walkers, and someone who can probably talk about dogs for much longer than anyone actually asked me to!

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Before entering the dog-walking world, I spent seven years working in finance and trying to climb the corporate ladder. I genuinely loved my job at one point and learned so much from it, but after COVID, the pressure of dealing with customers’ finances became incredibly stressful. Eventually, I had to admit that I wasn’t happy anymore and that it was time to take my mental health seriously.

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While working in finance, I looked after dogs in clients’ homes, and I absolutely loved it. I realized I wanted to spend my days doing something more hands-on, outdoors and meaningful. I eventually started working for a wonderful dog-walking company that taught me the ropes, and my passion for dogs only grew from there.

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What I didn’t expect was how completely fascinated I would become by dog behaviour.

I love getting to know what makes each dog tick: what helps them feel confident, what makes them uncomfortable, how they communicate and how their behaviour changes depending on the dogs and environment around them. I’ve worked with dogs of all different personalities, sizes and energy levels, and every one of them has taught me something.

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I don’t believe every dog needs to behave or enjoy their walks in exactly the same way. Some want to run and play with everyone. Some are happiest wandering around and sniffing. Others need time, encouragement and a little extra support before they feel comfortable being part of a group. I love figuring out what each individual dog needs to feel safe, successful and understood.

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Although Dogs on Board has grown into a crew of multiple walkers, I’m still very involved in the day-to-day care of our dogs. I continue to lead pack walks, get to know new dogs, make decisions about pack placements, support our walkers and communicate with owners. I never want to become so removed from the walks that I lose touch with the dogs and people who made this business what it is.

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I also understand how much trust it takes to give someone access to your home and send your dog away in their vehicle for the day. That isn’t something owners take lightly, and it isn’t something I take lightly either. I get genuinely attached to the dogs in our care, and I want every owner to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns or checking in whenever they need to.

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Before dog walking, I loved running, hiking and being outdoors, but when my previous career became difficult, I was so mentally drained that I stopped doing many of those things. Now I get to spend my days outside, exploring Calgary with a bunch of furry pals. Some days are filled with zoomies, while others are more of a slow sniffari through the park, and I honestly love both.

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Even though dogs and Dogs on Board are a huge part of my life, my husband and family are incredibly important to me too. I’m a strong believer in work–life balance, even if, as a business owner, I’m still learning how to get that balance right myself! After experiencing how completely drained I became in my previous career, I wanted to build a business that allowed me to do meaningful work without losing the other parts of my life that matter. Making time for the people I love, enjoying the outdoors for myself and occasionally switching my business brain off helps me come back more present for our dogs, owners and team.

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This wasn’t the career I expected to find, but it became exactly where I was supposed to be.​