What is the rule for lay and lie?

Lay requires a direct object. The same rule applies to laying and lying (not lieing—beware of spelling). The past tense of lay is laid, but be careful with the past tense of lie—there are two options.

Is it lie or lay?

Lay is a verb that commonly means “to put or set (something) down.” Lie is a verb that commonly means “to be in or to assume a horizontal position” (or “to make an untrue statement,” but we’ll focus on the first definition). In other words, lay takes a direct object, and lie does not.

Do you tell a dog to lay down or lie down?

Also, don’t tell your dog, “Lay down,” or you risk teaching your pet bad grammar! The correct command is “Lie down.”

What is the past tense of lay down?

laid
In the past tense, “lay” becomes “laid” (Last week I laid down the law and told her it was inappropriate for her to pick her nose) and “lie” becomes “lay” (Yesterday she lay down for a nap that afternoon and picked her nose anyway).

What does lye down mean?

Definition of lay down transitive verb. 1 : to give up : surrender lay down your arms. 2a : establish, prescribe lay down a scale for a map. b : to assert or command dogmatically lay down the law.

How do you teach a dog to lay down and stay?

To teach “stay”: Have your dog lie down. Put one hand out toward him and say “stay.” Give a treat quickly, before he moves. He may then get excited and stand up. Have him lie down again and repeat: Say “stay” and give a treat quickly so he gets the idea that the treat is given only when he is down.

How do I teach my dog to lay down and roll over?

Kneel beside your dog and hold a small, yummy treat to the side of their head near their nose.

1. Move your hand from their nose toward their shoulder, luring them to roll flat on their side.
2. Try this a few times and praise and treat each time they follow the treat and lie flat on their side with their head on the floor.