Travis Fuller didn’t set out to build a booming dog-walking business in Bend. But thanks to a stoic old sled dog named Mutt — and a little trial and error — he ended up creating something special. Since 2016, Ponderosa Paws has grown into a go-to for off-leash dog hikes, thanks to Fuller’s deep connection with animals and a philosophy rooted in trust, patience and personal connection.
The Source sat down with Fuller to talk about his journey, the dog who started it all, and what it takes to lead a pack in one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country.
the Source: Why did you start Ponderosa Paws?
Travis Fuller: I had a friend in Seattle with a dog-walking business that was doing really well. We used to work together doing dog sled tours in Alaska. He kind of mentored me through the process — everything from state licensing to insurance to building a client base.
tS: Did you jump in full-time right away?
TF: No, I definitely eased into it. At first, I only had a couple of clients — maybe two to five. I spent a lot of time handing out business cards, networking with other pet professionals and just trying to build trust and visibility. I worked part-time for my dad and also at a sushi bar at night while walking dogs during the day.
tS: Was there a turning point when you felt like it was working?
TF: Yeah. About six months in, I actually considered leaving Bend to go work for my friend in Seattle. But I got stuck in traffic during the interview and thought, “I don’t know if I can do this.” When I came back, the business suddenly picked up. That summer I landed four new clients, and by the second year, I felt confident it could be a full-time thing.
tS: Do you have any dogs of your own?
TF: Yes, Timber, a shepherd-husky mix. Technically he’s my husband’s dog, but he joins us on hikes when there’s room. But the dog who really inspired this business was Mutt, a retired sled dog I adopted. He was 11 or 12 when I brought him home. I used to work for a dog sledding company at Mt. Bachelor, and I just fell in love with him. He was stoic and chill, a totally different energy from the other dogs. When I left him alone, he’d howl nonstop. I knew I needed a job that allowed him to come along. So really, Ponderosa Paws started because of Mutt.
tS: What role did Mutt play in those early years?
TF: He came with me on nearly every walk for the first three years. He helped teach the other dogs how to behave, sort of like a wise old guide. He set the tone and the pack dynamic. I like to say he was the sourdough starter for the whole thing — he really helped shape what this business is today.
tS: You worked with sled dogs right out of high school. How did that happen?
TF: I moved to Skagway, Alaska, just days after graduation. A family friend connected me to a musher who needed help. I ended up living on a glacier with 300 sled dogs and 30 people, taking tourists out on sled rides. That experience put the idea in my head that I wanted to work with dogs long-term.
tS: What made you choose off-leash hiking over traditional dog walking?
TF: After working with sled dogs — who are almost always tethered — I wanted to give dogs more freedom. Off-leash hikes let them explore, run, and just be dogs. My goal is to give them the best life possible, especially when their humans are busy at work.
tS: What’s the biggest challenge of managing off-leash hikes?
TF: It comes down to knowing the dogs. I get to know each one individually — what triggers them, what they’re comfortable with, how they socialize. I start all new dogs on a 30-foot long line to test recall and pack fit. It’s a gradual process; they earn their off-leash freedom.
tS: Do you use any special training tools like e-collars?
TF: No e-collars. I rely on trust and relationship building. I want dogs to listen to me because they want to and not because they’re afraid. That takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. I bring good treats, and I keep my pack small — usually no more than 10 dogs — so I can give everyone the attention they need.
tS: What sets you apart from other dog hikers in Bend?
TF: I think it’s the relationships I build. I’m not just tossing dogs into a van and heading out. I know their quirks, their personalities, their needs. I observe their movements on the trail and can usually spot if something’s off — whether it’s an injury or tension brewing. I also try to support new businesses in town, even though the competition has grown. When I have overflow, I refer clients to people I trust.
tS: Bend has a serious dog culture. Was that part of the appeal?
TF: Definitely. Bend is one of the most dog-friendly towns in the U.S. When I started, there were only a few people doing off-leash hikes. Now the market is saturated, but there’s still a huge need. I feel really lucky to be established here and to have such amazing clients. Most of my business now is word of mouth and referrals.
tS: What’s next for Ponderosa Paws? Do you want to expand?
TF: I’ve thought about it. I’m really happy with where the business is now. I have incredible customers, and I don’t want to grow just for the sake of growing. But I may bring on another person to help with hikes and in-home pet sitting. I’ll take it slow—baby steps, like always.
This article appears in Central Oregon Pets Fall 2025.
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