Why does she sit and watch me go??

[Imsosorryalan]

Today Alan dog disappeared for the first time since we've had her. (1 year) she sometimes does this weird thing where when she's off lead and sniffing around she stands still and watches me. Not sure if I do the right thing but I carry on walking and when she gets a bit far behind I call her. She then usually runs up to me.

She's so nervous of everything, I've never had to worry about her straying too far off lead. However today, she sat and watched me get further and further away. I called her and she ignored me so I stupidly hid behind a bush, thinking she'd come looking for me. Anyway, she didn't. I went back and she had disappeared! Cue panicky shouting her name..

I did eventually find her halfway down the path we'd come up and she came bounding over and seemed pleased to see me.

Why does she do the sitting and watching me thing? And how do I get her to stop!!

[MrsWarren1983]

What breed is she? If there are any gundog breeds in her make-up, maybe she is trying to "point out" something for you?
Pehaps she has smelled something unfamiliar that frightened her, or maybe she is in pain? If she is arthritic or has problems with her knees/hips/back etc she might just be having a moment where it hurts too much to carry on, although this is the least likely if she suddenly regains momentum.

[Imsosorryalan]

Mrswarren, she is a mongrel but the rescue said they thought she was an airedale mix. Se could be mixed with anything to be honest!
No pain or arthisitis as vet gave her the all clear a few weeks ago. It's a mystery!

[topbannana]

A couple of mine have done this as a game. They stay really still and pretend not to hear me until I take a step towards them when they play now at me and run in silly big circles.
TBH I now take big stampy steps towards them with my arms out wide and go "rrraaaarrrrr" which I feel is a very mature and grown up way to deal with the situation :o