Best Dog Walk for Reactive Dogs in Melbourne: Why Westerfolds Park Is Perfect
Walking a reactive or anxious dog can be challenging, but finding the right environment makes all the difference. If you're looking for a peaceful, spacious, and low-stress place to walk your dog in Melbourne, Westerfolds Park in Templestowe is an excellent choice.
If you’re in the Melbourne area, especially near Templestowe or the Yarra River, Westerfolds Park is a must-visit
We’ve been taking our reactive dog, Tiga, to Westerfolds Park for a long time, and it has become one of our favourite walking spots. Unlike busier urban parks or off-leash areas, Westerfolds provides a calm and controlled environment, making walks safer and more enjoyable for both dogs and their owners.
Why Westerfolds Park is Ideal for Reactive Dogs
Reactive dogs need space, structure, and predictability to feel comfortable on walks. Westerfolds Park offers all of these benefits:
✅ Wide, Open Spaces – The park features spacious trails and grassy areas, allowing plenty of room to move away from other people or dogs. Unlike narrow footpaths where encounters are unavoidable, the open environment here helps prevent your dog from feeling trapped. These open spaces also provide a great opportunity to practice recall training using a long-line leash in a controlled setting. Check out our blog on recall training with a long-line lead for tips, and explore our Mighty Tiga long-line leash collection for durable, high-quality training leads.
✅ Long Lines of Sight – Many of the trails at Westerfolds Park have clear sightlines, making it easier to see people or dogs approaching from a distance. This gives you enough time to adjust your walk, create space, or use positive reinforcement to manage your dog’s reaction.
✅ Minimal Blind Corners – The park’s open layout reduces unexpected encounters, which can be a major trigger for reactive dogs. Without sudden surprises around sharp corners, you and your dog can walk with greater confidence.
✅ Escape Routes – If your dog becomes overwhelmed, there are plenty of alternate paths and open areas where you can safely step away from a stressful situation. Unlike enclosed parks with limited exits, Westerfolds provides flexibility for reactive dog owners.
✅ Dogs Must Be On-Leash – A huge advantage of this park is that dogs are required to be on a leash at all times. This means you’re far less likely to have an off-leash dog rushing toward you unexpectedly, something that can be a major stressor for anxious dogs.
✅ Less Busy at Certain Times – While the park is popular, it’s much quieter during weekdays, early mornings, and late evenings. These are the best times to visit if your dog struggles with busy environments. We’ve even walked Tiga here late at night—although keep in mind that there are no lights in the park, so it’s best to walk with a partner for safety.
Check out our blog on what else to look for in a walking location to ensure a stress-free outing with your reactive dog
Walking Trails and What to Expect
One of the best features of Westerfolds Park is the variety of walking trails. The Westerfolds Loop Track (4.8 km, approx. 1.5 hours) is a great option, offering a mix of open landscapes, bushland, and scenic views along the Yarra River. The wide paths and minimal obstacles make it ideal for reactive dogs.
Since the park is home to native wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and birdlife, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. If your dog is reactive to wildlife, choosing trails away from open grassy areas where kangaroos graze can be a good idea.
Other Park Benefits for Dog Owners
🚗 Plenty of Parking – With multiple parking areas, you won’t have to stress about finding a spot, even during busier hours.
🌿 Peaceful & Scenic Environment – The park’s natural setting creates a calming atmosphere for both you and your dog.
🚶 Diverse Walking Options – Whether you prefer a short stroll or a longer loop, there are plenty of trail options to suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
Westerfolds Park is one of the best places in Melbourne to walk a reactive or anxious dog. Its spacious layout, on-leash rule, and quiet atmosphere make it a fantastic choice for owners looking to avoid unpredictable encounters.
If you’re searching for a stress-free walk with your dog, plan a visit during off-peak hours and enjoy the peaceful environment Westerfolds Park has to offer.
And if you’re looking for a leash and collar that offers security and flexibility for your reactive dog, check out our Mighty Tiga leash collection and Mighty Tiga collar collection perfect for making every walk safer and more manageable.
