Stopping a dog jumping up at the table

[diplodocus]

We've had diplodog for around 6 months now and it's been a bit or an uphill struggle due to her anxiety, although she has a lovely nature and is slowly improving. One thing that isn't improving, and is actually getting worse is that she keeps jumping up at the table when people are eating, and will even take a quick bite if she can manage it. She also keeps trying to sit on the sofa, which we don't allow. We normally crate her during mealtimes, but ideally would like not to have to. We are completely consistent and never let her put her paws on our laps or the chair - we say "off" and avoid eye contact when we're sitting at the table. She's a bright dog - she picks up commands really easily at dog training and runs through them beautifully in the comfort of her own home (although outside is another issue due to her nervousness) but "no" and "off" seem to be beyond her. Any ideas? Is it just stubornness?

[Velvetbee]

This took ages for Georgiedog but we did get there in the end
She was asked to sit in her bed while we ate and was returned there whenever she came to the table.
We thought we'd cracked it then it started again - what eventually worked was a 3 strikes and you're out rule. She was returned to her bed 3 times and if she came out again was shut in the downstairs loo while we finished our meal. We didn't get cross and were just very matter of fact with her about it, she stopped in 2 or 3 days.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

I clicker trained DDog to stop this. I clicked and treated if he lay down for 10 seconds while DC were eating, then increased the gap.

[diplodocus]

Judy - like that idea - will try that. Not sure diplodog would get the "3 strikes" idea but again worth a try thanks.

[cashewfrenzy]

Kikopup has a tutorial for this on YouTube, designed to stop counter surfing but would work for this too :)

[Owllady]

I do off, but then another command to occupy :collie:
Which seems to work
So off
Sit
Wait

[mintchocchick]

Do you have a heavy chair or table near the table you eat at but not so close that dog can reach you from it? We were trained by our dog trainer to teach a 'settle' which is basically teaching the dog that whenever you tie his lead to a chair leg you expect him to sit/lie/ settle in peace. This involves no words, no commands whatsoever, they just learn that lead round chair leg = settle quietly without treats.

We were told we needed to do it every single day just for half an hour, and ignore all barking, flipping, pulling on lead and after about 6 weeks of this being done daily, he'd understand what was being asked and just flop down. Really helpful for lunch in a pub, mealtimes at table etc.

I can't say I do it every day, maybe twice a week when I'm ready for iPad/coffee time but the result is that our dog now lies down beside me during Sunday lunch & other mealtimes and settles. No more jumping, pulling on lead, barking, maybe just a few sniffs up at the table but we ignore and sort of block him out with our elbows.

I'm really looking forward to the pub trips eventually!

[diplodocus]

Thanks for the ideas. I like the idea of a "settle" command - will do this. Also the "sit" and "wait commands a good idea (although waiting is a bit random at the moment).