Maltese running away

Our maltese(Bashu) seems perfect in every way-little tear staining etc. But if you open the door-he's gone and doesn't look back till he gets to people-if they are two blocks away, that's where he goes-haven't found a way to discourage this-we always walk him on a leash, but I have never had a dog that would not stay in the yard. any help woul be appreciated.
Paul

• Paul, maybe you could try this. I remember at puppy school, our instructor had a solution for this. When you start to open the door and your dog is just inches away and ready to run for it, quickly close the door and yell STAY and/or give the hand signal. More often than not, your little guy will get a few bumps on the head. You will have to do this until, he hesitates to cross the threashold. Then, you invite him over and reward him. Hopefully, this will stop the bolt through the door, but I don' t know how you will be able to keep him from running away once he is out! I have a deaf maltese and I have tried this technique with good success. She will not leave the door until she get's the O.K. from me. Sometimes she thinks that she has to be invited back in!
  Teri