The Outdoor Paw-Step Water Fountain is an outdoor dog water fountain that connects to your garden tap or hose: when your dog steps on the paw pad, a stream of fresh water is released. It is for UK owners whose dogs spend time in the garden and who want a fresh, on-demand water supply outside, rather than a bowl that gets knocked over, goes stale or fills with leaves.
Made from heavy-gauge steel and supplied with a hose and two-way splitter, it is a neat solution for active, outdoorsy dogs. Below we explain how it works, who it suits, how to set it up and how to teach your dog to use it.
How a step-activated dog water fountain works
The idea is simple. The fountain is connected to your outdoor water supply. When your dog puts a paw on the step pad, it releases a stream of water for them to drink. When they step off, the flow stops.
Because the water comes straight from the mains supply rather than sitting in a bowl, each drink is fresh. There is no bowl to tip over, no algae building up in a dish left in the sun, and no need to remember to top up water before you head out for the day.
Key features of the Paw-Step Water Fountain
Step-activated paw pad
The step pad puts your dog in control of their own drinks. Once they have learned the trick, they can help themselves whenever they are thirsty.
Connects to a garden tap or hose
The fountain connects to a garden tap or hose, so it draws on your outdoor supply rather than needing to be refilled.
Hose and two-way splitter included
An approximately 104cm hose and a two-way splitter are included. The splitter means you can keep your garden hose connected to the same tap as the fountain, so you are not swapping attachments every time you want to water the plants.
Heavy-gauge steel construction
It is made from heavy-gauge steel, a sturdy choice for something that lives outdoors and gets stepped on regularly.
Compact footprint
At approximately 7 x 23.5 x 25.4cm, it is compact enough to sit discreetly near the tap without taking over the patio.
Which dogs and gardens it suits
- Dogs who spend lots of time outside, particularly in warmer months when they are playing in the garden for long periods.
- Bowl tippers. If your dog loves to flip, paddle in or carry off their water bowl, a fixed fountain removes the problem.
- Multi-dog households with busy gardens, where a single outdoor bowl empties quickly.
- Owners who want fresher water outside, rather than a bowl collecting leaves, insects and debris.
- Curious, food-motivated dogs who enjoy learning new tricks; many will pick up the step pad quickly with a little encouragement.
It needs a convenient outdoor tap, so it is best for homes with a garden tap within reach of where your dog likes to play.
How to set up and teach your dog to use it
Setting up
- Choose your spot. Pick a level area near the garden tap, ideally on a hard surface such as patio slabs or gravel so the area does not become muddy.
- Fit the splitter. Attach the two-way splitter to your tap so both the fountain and your hose can be connected.
- Connect the hose. Use the included hose (approx. 104cm) to connect the fountain to the splitter.
- Turn on the supply and test. Press the paw pad yourself to check the flow and look for any leaks at the connections.
Teaching your dog
Every dog learns at their own pace. These are general positive-reinforcement tips:
- Introduce it calmly. Let your dog sniff the fountain while it is off, and reward them for showing interest.
- Show them the water. Press the pad yourself so they can see and drink the stream.
- Reward paw contact. Praise and reward any time they put a paw on the pad.
- Keep sessions short and fun. A few minutes at a time works well.
- Keep a backup bowl at first. Until you are confident your dog uses the fountain reliably, keep a normal water bowl available too, so they never go without.
If you need water for walks as well, a lightweight option like our Waterproof Foldable Travel Dog Bowl covers you away from home.
Seasonal care and maintenance
- Protect it in frosty weather. UK winters can freeze outdoor taps and hoses. When frost is forecast, consider disconnecting the fountain and hose, draining them and storing them indoors, and make sure your dog has unfrozen water elsewhere.
- Check connections regularly. Look over the hose, splitter and fittings for leaks or wear, especially after cold spells.
- Keep the pad clear. Brush away leaves, mud and grass clippings so the pad works smoothly.
- Wipe it down. Give the fountain a clean with a damp cloth from time to time.
- Supervise early use. Watch your dog in the first few weeks to make sure they are drinking well and are comfortable with it.
Indoor alternatives for fresh water
The Paw-Step fountain is for outdoor use. If you want a steady supply of water inside the house too, a gravity-fed option such as our Gravity Water & Food Dispenser keeps a bowl topped up while you are out.
Specifications at a glance
- Step-activated paw pad releases a stream of fresh water
- Connects to a garden tap or hose
- Approx. 104cm hose and two-way splitter included
- Heavy-gauge steel construction
- Size: approx. 7 x 23.5 x 25.4cm
- Price: £107.99
Frequently asked questions
How does the fountain get its water?
It connects to your garden tap or hose. When your dog steps on the paw pad, a stream of fresh water is released.
What comes in the box?
The fountain comes with an approximately 104cm hose and a two-way splitter, so you can keep your garden hose connected to the same tap.
Will my dog know how to use it?
Most dogs need a little encouragement at first. Show them how it works and reward paw contact with the pad, and keep a normal water bowl available until they use it confidently.
Can I leave it out in winter?
In freezing weather, outdoor water connections can freeze. We suggest disconnecting, draining and storing the fountain and hose indoors when frost is forecast.
What is it made from?
It is made from heavy-gauge steel.
Fresh water in the garden, on demand
If your dog loves the garden, the Paw-Step fountain gives them fresh water whenever they want it, with no bowls to refill or knock over. Shop the Outdoor Paw-Step Water Fountain at The Canine Co.