x2dz:
Well, this is mostly for the sake of my water bill... The water will be running (e.g. won't be collecting anywhere, like in a bucket or something), so I'd prefer it was conserved when they're not thirsty.The idea is that running water attracts their attention and thus encourages them to drink more, which is a good thing since dehydration is a real possibility, when the temperature goes in excess of 35 C. And running water is free of the bacteria and other nasty stuff found in watering cans, etc. where is stays still for hours...
Don't know much about dogs, do ya?
I've seen my dog take crap, turn around, then eat her own poop - that was years ago, she's still alive.
I've seen her eat chain link fence - yep, still alive.
I've seen the results of her eating a snickers bar - still in the wrapper, before and after - yep, still alive (the snickers was in my wife's purse on the floor).
I've known another dog who'd pee in its own water, then drink it; one time it ate about 10 feet of garden hose, another time a bag of charcoal - as far as I know, that dog is still alive.
My dog drinks from a bowl of water, though other times she'll drink from our nasty algae filled garden fountain; I'm sure if (for some reason) she wasn't afraid of the bathroom, the toilet bowl would be a perfect water solution for her. Then again, we really don't know what happens in the house when we're not here (she's stays indoors when we're gone - otherwise she eats our doors).
Maybe your dog is fussy like that - then again, our dog is mean (sharpei/ridgeback mix - got her from the humane society; she was about to be put down), which is why we got her...
Dogs are not robots, dogs shouldn't be controlled in the way you are suggesting - imagine somebody doing that to you, without understanding why or what. We just keep our dog's bowls filled with food and water, let her have a variety of "human food" snacks (and meat bones, when we have ones large enough that she won't just snap 'em instantly - hard to find when you know your dog can eat chain link) - in short, we let her have as fun a life as a dog who wants to run down the street at any opportunity can have while being technically "imprisoned" in a house and yard. We chase her, she chases us. Sometimes she's bad, but we can't stay mad at her for any length of time.
One day soon she'll be gone, and she won't be able to be replaced, just like a person.
Let your dog live, and damn the water bill (seriously, this is really over money?) - if you want to regulate something, build a robot.