The Down Command

If you have already trained your chin puppy to sit you will be ready to teach the down command. First have your dog sit, then take a treat and show it to your puppy to bait his interest. Hold it in front of him and slowly lower your hand until you touch the floor. Your puppy will follow the treat with his nose and lay down in the process. After he lies down praise him and give him the treat. After a few times start saying "down" when you practice. Lengthen the time that he must stay down before you praise him and give him a treat. Practice three to five times every session so as not to bore your puppy. Japanese chins are very eager to please and enjoy these practices if they are not dragged out.

Another method is to use physical pressure to get your dog to lay down. Start by having your dog sit then lift and pull one of his forelegs forward. With your other hand gently push between the dog's shoulder blades toward the destablished side, and say "down" as you do this. Your puppy will have no choice but to sink into the down position.