Is this the end of off lead walks

[foolonthehill]

I have a beautiful 10-11 year old rescue Springer Spaniel.
She was very badly treated as a breeding bitch but has been with us for 6 years now and is kind, gentle, soft and lovely. She wasn't very good at recall at first but constant recall training meant that from about 5 years ago she has had at least one off lead walk of about 1 hour per day....she loves it.
This weekend we went off on our usual walk was perfect for about 40 mins with good recall but then disappeared and was missing on the marshes for 2 hours with no return to call. Eventually I found her but it still took nearly another hour before she came back to me despite reasonable value treats and her "clocking me".
What do you think? A momentary blip or curtains for off lead? I'm terrified she'll be properly lost next time. Off lead is only ever very rural as she would have no sense to avoid traffic or train-lines but she is fast and would cover the ground very quickly.

hearing seems ok...certainly hears the fridge door from distant parts...but could be waning as she ages.
:( dementia is possible.

If you're rural do you know any of the local farmers that may let you use one of their empty fields with permission?

Hi use a really long length of strong rope for walking whilst you improve her recall.that can be with clicker training.
Have you checked her hearing?
If this is not usual behaviour it was possible she found something extra interesting....not acceptable though!
Make coming back to you a fun thing.dogs sometimes see returning to their own as lead on,end of fun.
So ,in a confined area,not at home,call her,give a treat,and let her go.
She will see returning to you is a good thing.so practice a few times.
The last bit is hard when you're cold and tired and annoyed,when she does come back if she's been gone ages,smile,pet her a nd give her a treat saying good girl to come.if you tell her off she will think she's being told off for returning.
Good luck🐕