Inducive Down: Hold a treat immediately in front of the dog's nose. Lift it straight up an inch, pause, then take it down, past his eyes and to the floor. As he follows it, take it straight out in front of him (along the floor). Keep your hand over the treat until he is in the down position. If he tries to take the food without going down by just lowering his head, try a different approach. While kneeling, extend one leg out so that your knee is just a little higher than the dog's shoulders when he is lying down. Offer the treat to the dog from under this leg and draw the treat away from him. As he reaches for the treat, he will have to go down! You can also use a low stool, chair, or a coffee table to draw the dog Under.

COMPULSIVE DOWN: Kneel beside the dog, who is sitting on your left hand side. If it is comfortable, put your left arm over his shoulders and the back of your open left hand behind his left pastern (wrist joint).

Place the back of your open right hand behind the right pastern (the backs of your hands are used so that you do not inadvertently squeeze the dog's legs, which is uncomfortable or painful for the dog.) Gently lift the dogs front legs up to his chin and lower the whole dog to the floor. Your left forearm across the dog's shoulder blades will assist this movement. Repeat until comfortable before introducing the command.

If you are physically unable of doing this, then you will need a different approach. Take the dog's collar with your left hand and place your right hand and arm behind his front pasterns, lift his legs up to his chin and lower the dog to the floor. With the little dog, one hand will suffice for both pasterns.

SPONTANEOUS: Your dog will tell you when he is going to lie down from a sit. He may move one paw or look down. As you observe your dog, you will learn to "read" him.