I am always amazed with how smart dogs really are. And there are people that believe they don't have the ability to "think". I strongly disagree!!
The only time my dogs get excited that we might take them with us is if we grab the leashes..OR if we are both standing at the door with jackets on. Because usually they go outside or in their kennels when we leave. We've tried to just leave them out in the house, but they think they are coming with us. LOL

One day I was looking out the window to the backyard and Zoee was laying closer to the front door. I saw a squirrel walk across the top of the fence and said "wow, that's a huge squirrel walking along the fence" just in a normal voice talking to Bruce. Zoee jumps up and comes to the door looking out intently for the said squirrel. I started laughing and told Bruce what she did. He says "yeah, she does that but won't come inside when you call her". LOL So true! She has selective hearing, that's for sure.