Question: My terrier mix bolts out the door whenever given the chance and runs around our (thankfully quiet) neighborhood until she finally comes home up to a hour later.

Salli: This is a case where doorway etiquette needs to taught, along with a good reliable recall (See this question).

Start by making sure your dog is on a leash so you can exercise control and have some great small treats on hand. As you approach the door and go to open it make sure the dog is back and away. If you immediately get dog nose in the crack of the door simply close the door.

Do this several times until your dog finally looks at you in frustration. When she does, praise her for a good "Wait", give her a treat and repeat. Do this until she figures out that pushing towards the door no longer works. The only way the creature with the opposable thumb (you) will open the door is when she waits and watches you patiently.

Once this concept starts to sink in, make sure she always "waits" before going in or out any door. This will establish a permission seeking atmosphere regarding doorways and should help a great deal with the bolting behavior.