Hank had a Breakthrough

Hank had a breakthrough
Hank is a shy fearful dog that needs to be treated and taught things differently than the typical dog.
For example, when teaching a dog to lie down, normally you can get away with grabbing hold of their two front legs and gently bring them into a down position. With Hank, there's no way you can do that and not affect his confidence level. If he feels scared or uncomfortable in a new situation he gets real scared, real fast.
So i'm trying to teach him to lie down and he actually let me manipulate him into lying down!!! It may sound trivial, but that is a huge step for him!! I feel confident that he will do it on his own pretty soon too.

That is a huge step...congrats!

Though I have to mention, I think even for non fearful dogs, manipulating them into a down is probably a bit scary for them. I would suggest luring or capturing for sure.

Ditto this

Most of the dogs I've worked with have been extremely uncomfortable being manipulated into a down position. Even the more confident ones.

That said, it is great he's getting more comfortable with being touched and moved. But I would definitely use a lure or capture to teach him to lie down on command regardless.

If he keeps scooting forward when you try luring, sit with your knee bend and leg on the floor, and lure him underneath it, or put your hand on his shoulders as you lure him.

Luring does not work with Hank. I don't force dogs down either, I work with their legs and let them do the rest, and even that is not what I use most of the time just sometimes. It's more of a guidance thing than physically pushing them down. I am not the best at describing things perfectly, sorry.