The ScritchPets Splash & Play is a garden water toy that dogs figure out remarkably quickly they press it with their paw and it squirts water, which is all the encouragement most dogs need to keep coming back for more. It connects easily to a standard garden hose, so setup is straightforward, and once it's running it keeps dogs occupied for a good stretch of time without you needing to be involved every second. The whole thing is built from durable materials that are made to take a battering, because dogs that get excited about water tend not to be gentle about it.

It works particularly well on warm days when dogs need an outlet that keeps them moving and cool at the same time. The paw-activated mechanism means dogs are problem-solving as they play, which adds a layer of engagement beyond just chasing water around, and most dogs pick up the idea within a few minutes of being introduced to it. It's a genuinely good option for high-energy breeds or any dog that loves water and needs something to direct that energy into.

We'd always recommend supervising your dog during outdoor water play, especially the first few times they use it, to make sure they're interacting with it safely and not becoming over-excited or swallowing excessive amounts of water. Keep sessions to a reasonable length in very hot weather and make sure fresh drinking water is available nearby throughout.