Piper the pup is many things: adorable, clever, and, as his dad Dennis Gerard has come to learn, a bit of a con artist when it comes to treats.
A few years back, Piper stepped on a bee and hurt his paw. His humans, of course, showered him with sympathy — and snacks. But once the pain wore off, Piper wasn’t quite ready to give up the perks. So, he kept the limp going.
“He was legitimately sore for one day but continued to play it for treats,” Gerard told The Dodo. “Of course, I am the weakest link and I give him treats, reinforcing the behavior. It's a vicious circle.”
From that moment on, Piper had a new trick up his sleeve: the fake limp. Whenever he wanted an extra treat or a little extra love, out came the limp — dramatic and perfectly timed.
But recently, Gerard decided enough was enough.
“I had to teach him a tough lesson,” he said.
A Limp Too Far
When Piper started limping again, Gerard didn’t reach for the treat jar. Instead, he grabbed the car keys and said, “Let’s go see the vet.”
The second they pulled into the parking lot, Piper’s eyes widened. He realized — perhaps a little too late — that his performance had consequences.
“I asked the vet tech to examine his legs,” Gerard said. “She was happy to play along.”
Piper, now suspicious of his own plan, endured the checkup with a look of pure betrayal. The lesson was supposed to teach him that faking it wouldn’t work anymore.
Or Did It?
As it turns out, Piper might be the real mastermind after all.
“Whether he understood if we were there to scare him straight is debatable,” Gerard said. “However, I can confirm he outplayed me on my plan. I felt so bad for him that I gave him tons of treats and a pup cup when we got home.”
In the end, Piper walked away with what he always wanted — more snacks, more cuddles, and more attention. And his dad? He wouldn’t have it any other way.
Because when it comes to Piper’s antics, Gerard knows he’s already lost the game. And honestly, that goofy grin and wagging tail are worth every treat.
You can keep up with Piper’s hilarious adventures (and his ongoing pursuit of snacks) on Instagram.
