Here is an informative story about why dogs may run away when their owners call them:
Dogs may run away when their owners call them for a few key reasons. Firstly, the dog may not have been properly trained to reliably come when called. Recall training takes time and consistency, and if a dog hasn't been taught that coming when called results in good things (treats, praise, playtime), they may instead choose to keep exploring or playing.
Secondly, the dog may have had negative experiences in the past when coming when called, such as being punished or having something unpleasant happen. This can cause them to associate the recall cue with something undesirable, making them less likely to obey.
Additionally, a dog's natural prey drive and curiosity can kick in, causing them to chase after small animals or investigate interesting smells rather than return to their owner. This is especially common in puppies and young dogs still learning boundaries.
Environmental factors can also play a role. If there are distractions like other people, animals, or food around, a dog may be less inclined to focus on their owner's call. Likewise, if the dog is in a new or exciting location, the temptation to keep exploring may override their training.
Ultimately, consistently rewarding a dog for coming when called, minimizing negative associations, and training in low-distraction environments can help build a reliable recall. With patience and positive reinforcement, most dogs can learn to respond promptly to their owner's recall cue.