My Dad decided to never teach his dog good manners. He will not leave us alone at the dinner table! What can I do to make the dog calm down while were eating?! Any ideas?

A begging dog is so annoying when you are trying to enjoy your dinner.  Assuming the dog is already used to getting his/her way near the table, I'd just put them outside or in another room if possible...maybe give them a rawhide to keep them busy so you can have some peace while you eat. 

My dog obedience trainer had suggested mouse traps.  You simply set them at the edge of the table or on the counters.  If the dog tries to jump up or gets too close to the edge, the trap will set off and scare the dog away.  It should deter most dogs however, it will not hurt them.  Most mouse traps are too small for a dog to hurt themselves with.

Try it and let me know if you have any success

This is the perfect time to show your dog who is boss. I would try setting up a corner for your dog. Teach him to stay on his mat or bed whatever you decide to put there and then when you are done eating dinner then he is aloud to get off of his mat...give him a reward or maybe you could feed him dinner then. the alpha dog eats first, you being the alpha of course. you are going to have to be consistent with making him stay. and if all else fails then stick him outside...NEVER reward them with tablefood. Good luck!