Why does my dog drink before walk?

[senseless]

If I pick up my dog's leash for a walk, she'll quickly run to her water bowl and drink before going out. What is she thinking?

 

[MacNut]

Maybe your dog needs to drink before meeting new people. Some have anxiety and use it as a crutch.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

If I pick up my dog's leash for a walk, she'll quickly run to her water bowl and drink before going out. What is she thinking?

Maybe she is intelligently hydrating herself in advance of the walk. Remember, dogs perspire by panting, and not the way we do.

 

[AlliFlowers]

Or maybe she wants to make sure she can tinkle well while she's out.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Or maybe she wants to make sure she can tinkle well while she's out.

There is that, too, agreed, but I felt that drawing attention to it might be stating the obvious.

A dog out walking sees - and experiences - the world in several different dimensions and though a number of different senses. And is able to do so far more than we are.

 

[DeltaMac]

Or, picking up the leash triggers a pavlovian response, in this case, resulting in the sudden urge to drink.
Might be interesting to see if the same thing happens with a different leash!

 

[senseless]

Maybe she is intelligently hydrating herself in advance of the walk. Remember, dogs perspire by panting, and not the way we do.

Are dogs intelligent enough to plan ahead like that?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Are dogs intelligent enough to plan ahead like that?

They have pretty good memories and can link what may seem to be unconnected events.

 

[senseless]

Or, picking up the leash triggers a pavlovian response, in this case, resulting in the sudden urge to drink.
Might be interesting to see if the same thing happens with a different leash!

It'll happen when she knows she's going out. Today, I just got my jacket on and she ran to her bowl.

 

[maflynn]

I'm guessing its thirsty and will want a drink before she goes out.

 

[The Doctor11]

Your dog is just really smart about hydration.