[Teresa Ford]

DOWN you go. Teaching small toy dogs down is difficult. They may feel vulnerable
laying down. Most Yorkies can easily reach the floor while sitting, or standing because they are low to the ground.
Begin by teach the cue word Down, every time your dog lays down on his own say Down, Good Down. After a few days of that We put the Yorkie on a table or counter to teach the cue Down. When he is sitting on the counter, hook a finger in his harness so he can not walk around. Use the cue word Down and hold the treat close to his nose slowly move the treat toward you and down, to the edge of the counter and then below the counter. He will probably hang his head over the edge to see the treat. Praise with Good Down and treat. (don't let his butt pop up when doing this exercise)
Another way is what we call Limbo Bridge. Sit on the floor, bend your knees, put feet on the floor make a low bridge. Have your dog sit on the left of your leg bridge. Give the cue Down and wiggle the treat , tempt your dog to stick his head under the bridge for the treat. If his butt is still in the air, make him crawl partly under your legs. As soon as his butt is down, treat and praise with, GOOD DOWN !
It usually takes about 8 days of practice to teach Down. Try to practice three or four times every day until your pup gets it.