Written by Animal Behaviourist Bernice Jaffe
I still remember the panic.
One minute my client’s dog, Coco, was sniffing a bush on our walk. The next, a delivery bike rattled past and he was gone. Just... gone.
For six hours that afternoon, the whole street was out calling his name. We found him eventually, hiding under a car three blocks away, shaking. The vet said fear-bolting is the number one reason dogs go missing. And it happens to the calmest dogs too.
If you’ve ever felt that stomach-drop moment, this one’s for you.
The three things that actually keep dogs safe.
1. Make sure they can find their way back to you.
A microchip is like a permanent return address. If someone finds your dog and takes them to a vet or shelter, the chip gets scanned and you get the call.
But chips only work if your info is current. Moved? New number? Update it today.
And don’t skip the old-school collar tag. A phone number on a tag means a stranger can call you, right now, instead of waiting for a scan.
2. Know what makes your dog run.
Some dogs bolt for freedom. Others bolt for fear.
Skittish dogs panic at loud sounds: fireworks, thunder, bikes, skateboards.
Reactive dogs lunge and pull when they see other dogs or people.
Hunters see a squirrel and their brain goes offline.
For these dogs, “off-lead” isn’t worth the risk. Use a secure harness plus lead, even in the park. It’s an hour of inconvenience vs days of heartbreak.
3. Dog-proof your daily life.
Check your gates. Twice. Dogs are escape artists.
Walk earlier or later to avoid crowds if your dog is nervous. Cross the street when that cyclist comes. Carry high-value treats and practise recall in boring places first, so it’s solid when it matters.
Importantly, teach them good recall – ideally with whistle-training. Whistles work well as they can be heard in the wind and noise of the ocean or traffic. (It doesn’t have to be an expensive whistle.)
Recall is key
Good recall skills – preferably with a whistle – make a difference. And it’s easier than you think.
Basic recall
Start by teaching them the concept of coming when called.
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Get some yummy treats.
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Blow the whistle or clap your hands and give a treat immediately. You must give the treat a second after the whistle is blown so they associate the sound with the treat.
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Repeat this exercise about 20 times until they’ve got it.
Long-distance recall
Once they’ve mastered the whistle or clap recall, it’s time for long-distance recall. Start at home before moving to a park.
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Blow the whistle/clap your hands, get down on your haunches, open up your arms wide, say “Come guys!”
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When they come to you, grab their collar, give them a treat, then let them go.
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Then hide, blow the whistle/clap and call their name. When they come back, again grab their collar and give a treat.
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When you’re confident that they’ve learned this, move the exercise to the park.
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As you walk, make sure that every two minutes you do this exercise. Even when they don’t come back immediately, always reward them.
Here’s why it works: dogs normally think that the only time you call them back is when you’re going to end the play session or when they’ve been naughty, which makes them reluctant to come. If you get angry when they don’t come back straight away, all they’ll remember is that Mum gets cross when they do come back. Teaching them that coming when called always equals good things makes them far likelier to respond.
If the worst happens: Your 24-hour action plan
First, breathe. Most lost dogs are found within a day.
1. Search smart. Start where they were last seen, then expand in circles. Check bushes, under cars, and quiet spots. Fearful dogs hide.
2. Tell everyone. Post in local community groups, WhatsApp chats, and lost-pet pages like “Cape Town Lost and Found Pets”. Use one clear photo + “LAST SEEN AT ___” + your number.
3. Call the right places. SPCA, local vets, and shelters. Give them your microchip number.
4. Leave a trail home. Their bed, your t-shirt, water bowl outside. Smell is huge for dogs.
Here’s the truth.
We can’t control every bike, every loud noise, every open gate.
But we can control ID, leads, and how fast we act.
A collar and chip won’t stop a dog from running. But they’re what bring them home.
If you take one thing from this: go check that microchip registration right now. And put your number on that tag.
