Dog won't do a "down", only crouches

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My 14 pound Chiweenie won't do a DOWN. I can get him to crouch using the L method but then his butt goes up in the air. I've tried using a low barrier and even under my legs, but each time he never actually lets his elbows touch the floor. He's also like that when he's digging for some critter. Have you had any success

[Adrienne Farricelli]

You can try capturing, in other words, you'll have to catch him when he lies down spontaneously such as when he's about to take a nap. When he does so, click your clicker or use your verbal marker "yes" and toss a treat his way. You will need to carry treats with you all the time either in your pocket or treat bag so that you readily "capture" these downs. With time, your dog should notice that he gets rewarded when he lies down, so may start doing so more and more frequently and with more ease. 

However, any time there's a reluctance to sit or lie down, it's important to ensure your Chiweenie isn’t experiencing any discomfort in their elbows or elsewhere that might make lying down uncomfortable. Some dogs with joint or muscle issues might avoid certain positions. If this could be a concern, a quick check with your veterinarian is recommended.

Some small dogs also may not like to lie down on cold surfaces, so see if a rug or practicing on his bed or carpet makes a difference.

Use a high-value treat (something super enticing like chicken or cheese) to see if that helps increase motivation. Some dogs need extra incentive to try a new behavior.

Shaping can also help. In shaping, you'll break the exercise in smaller steps. Like you can start by rewarding the crouch itself. Then, bending the elbows slightly. Gradually withhold the reward until they get lower each time.

You can practice with some type of furniture initially as if asking the dog to do a play bow. In the video below, I am using a chair since I am training a Rottweiler, but with a Chiweenie you may need to use something lower such as a small stool or place a broomstick across two stable objects at a low height. Use the treat to lure the Chiweenie under it, which should encourage them to bow to fit under the obstacle.

With time, delay giving the reward or make it a bit more effortful such as by holding the treat in your closed fist and letting him try to get it. They may lower their butt eventually as they tire staying in the "bowed" position. 

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/video-archive/train-dog-bow/

If you’re using a low barrier, ensure they're low enough that standing or raising their rear isn’t an option. Guide them through slowly, rewarding as they progress. Celebrate small successes. Training takes time, and some dogs require more practice to feel confident in new positions. It could be your dog is too tense and need to relax more.