And there are plenty of cases where the person being questioned either did not realize they were a suspect, weren't a suspect until they said something they didn't realize would make them a suspect, or weren't even aware a crime was being investigated.

So don't wait until you realize you're a suspect to "lawyer up". Which obviously means don't talk to them *at all* unless you are required to, and then only talk to them with a lawyer present.

The "lost puppy" thing is not an exaggeration, either. It is perfectly legal for the police to lie to suspects, and they are trained to do so. Maybe they're looking for a lost puppy, or maybe they want an excuse to peek into your house or find out where you've been.