The first hour matters most when a dog goes missing

What to do immediately, who to contact, and why the usual advice about chasing is wrong.

If your dog bolts, the instinct is to run after them. Almost always the wrong move — a chase turns into a game, or pushes a frightened dog further away.

Sit down. Open a bag of food. Call in a light, happy voice, not a panicked one. Many dogs come back within minutes when the pressure comes off.

If they are genuinely gone, post to Lost & Found with a clear photo, the exact spot and a phone number, and tell the nearby vets straight away.