Some dogs are masters at getting what they want, and Piper is no exception. Smart, charming, and a little mischievous, Piper knows exactly how to play his dad, Dennis Gerard, to score extra snacks. But recently, his little act went a step too far — and his dad had to teach him a lesson. Or at least, that was the plan.
The Day Piper Learned About Treat Power
A few years ago, Piper accidentally stepped on a bee and hurt his paw. Naturally, his parents showered him with comfort, attention, and plenty of treats to help him feel better.
But when his paw healed, Piper realized something important: limping = treats.
“He was legitimately sore for one day but continued to play it for treats,” Gerard explained. “Of course, I am the weakest link and I give him treats, reinforcing the behavior. It’s a vicious circle.”
From then on, Piper became a pro at faking injuries — limping dramatically around the house, giving his dad sad eyes, and waiting for the treats to roll in.
Dad Decides to Call His Bluff
For years, Piper kept up his act, but recently Gerard decided enough was enough.
“I had to teach him a tough lesson,” Gerard admitted.
So, when Piper pulled his limp trick yet again, Gerard didn’t reach for the treat bag. Instead, he grabbed the car keys. Piper was due for a checkup anyway, so Gerard figured this was the perfect time to “scare him straight” and show him where fake injuries lead: the vet’s office.
As soon as they pulled into the clinic parking lot, Piper’s eyes widened. Suddenly, the whole “pretend limp” idea didn’t seem so clever anymore.
The Vet Tech Plays Along
Gerard let the vet staff in on the plan.
“I asked the vet tech to examine his legs,” Gerard said. “She was happy to play along.”
Piper endured the examination, probably wondering if faking for treats was really worth the trouble. But while Gerard hoped this little trip would cure his pup of the limp act, Piper had other ideas.
Who Really Won in the End?
While Piper may have been rattled at first, his strategy worked better than he could have imagined. Gerard’s plan to “scare him straight” completely backfired.
“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 didn’t just get treats — he got extra love, reassurance, and his favorite pup cup.
So while Gerard may have thought he was teaching Piper a lesson, it’s clear who’s really running the show. Piper may be a little trickster, but he’s also deeply loved — and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.
