How to Train Dogs to Stay off Tables

The family dining table is a source of great temptation for your dog. It can frequently have the scent of food on it, and your dog naturally wants to partake. Even when the food is cleaned up and put away, your pet can often smell that it was there, and may want to investigate to see if any treats have been left. However, you can train your dog to stay off the table, no matter the temptation.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby gates
  • Tablecloth
  • Thread
  • Soda cans
  • Pennies
  • Tape
  • Treats
  • Air horn
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Instructions

    • 1

      Block access to the table. At the beginning of your no-table training program, place baby gates or other barriers at all dining area or kitchen doors to block access to the table. Take extra care to set up the baby gates when you are not home or otherwise unable to watch your dog.

    • 2

      Remove the fun. Place a slick tablecloth that will easily slide off on your table. Make noisemakers by rinsing out a dozen empty soda cans, dropping five or ten pennies into each can, and taping the top shut. Place the cans on the dining room table near the edge. Add some treats to entice your dog into the trap you've set. When your dog tries to jump up on the table, the tablecloth will slip, and the dog and cans will fall to the floor, making a racket. After a few tries, your dog will think twice about getting up on the table.

    • 3

      Scare your dog further. Hide out of your dog's sight, but where you can see the table. Take an air horn with you. As soon as your dog starts to get up on the table, blow a short blast of the horn.