Pretzel and the Puppies - Welcome Waggin' / Groom Games (S1E5)

New neighbor Gus keeps getting lost, so Poppy steps up to help. Pedro finds a way to get waggly Dill to sit still for his trim at Gigi's Groom Palace.
| Runtime (min) | 23 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 10.0 (1 votes) |
| Air Date | 2022-02-11 |
| Genres | Kids, Animation |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
| Network(s) | Apple TV |
Storyline
In "Welcome Waggin'," the neighborhood welcomes a new resident named Gus, who struggles to navigate his unfamiliar surroundings and keeps getting lost. Poppy notices Gus's difficulty and decides to take the initiative to help him learn his way around. She works with him to create solutions that will make it easier for Gus to find his way home and feel comfortable in his new community.
In "Groom Games," the puppies visit Gigi's Groom Palace for grooming appointments. Pedro faces a particular challenge when it's time for Dill's trim, as Dill's energetic, waggly nature makes it nearly impossible for him to sit still long enough for Gigi to work. Pedro uses his problem-solving skills to come up with creative strategies that help Dill stay calm and stationary during the grooming process, turning what could have been a frustrating experience into a successful visit for everyone involved.
What kids learn
Children learn the value of welcoming newcomers and helping others feel at home in unfamiliar situations. Through Poppy's actions with Gus, young viewers see how small acts of kindness and patience can make a significant difference when someone is struggling to adjust to a new environment. The episode demonstrates that noticing when others need help and stepping up to provide it are important parts of being a good neighbor and friend.
The grooming segment teaches children about problem-solving and adapting approaches to meet different needs. Pedro's creative thinking shows that when a straightforward solution doesn't work, trying new strategies and thinking outside the box can lead to success. Kids also learn about patience and understanding that everyone has different challenges—what's easy for one person or puppy might be difficult for another.
Both stories reinforce the importance of empathy and observation. Children see how paying attention to others' struggles, whether it's getting lost in a new place or having trouble sitting still, allows them to offer meaningful help rather than generic assistance.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does Poppy help Gus learn his way around the neighborhood? | Poppy takes an active role in helping Gus navigate his new surroundings by working with him to develop strategies for finding his way home. She demonstrates patience and understanding, recognizing that moving to a new place can be disorienting. Her approach shows children that helping someone adjust involves more than just giving directions once—it requires ongoing support and creative problem-solving to build confidence. |
| What strategies does Pedro use to help Dill sit still for grooming? | Pedro employs creative problem-solving techniques to help his energetic brother Dill remain calm and stationary during his grooming appointment at Gigi's Groom Palace. Rather than simply telling Dill to sit still, Pedro finds engaging ways to keep Dill focused and settled. His approach demonstrates that understanding what motivates someone and adapting your strategy accordingly is more effective than repeated instructions that aren't working. |
| What can I tell my child about helping new kids at school or in the neighborhood? | Use Poppy's example to discuss how your child can notice when someone is new and might need help. Talk about specific ways to welcome newcomers, like showing them around, introducing them to others, or helping them learn routines. Emphasize that being patient when someone asks the same questions multiple times is part of being kind, just as Poppy is patient with Gus as he learns his way around. |
| Is this episode appropriate for toddlers who struggle with haircuts or grooming? | Yes, the grooming segment can be particularly helpful for children who find haircuts or similar activities challenging. Dill's wiggly behavior and Pedro's patient, creative solutions provide a relatable scenario that normalizes the difficulty some children experience sitting still. The episode shows that with the right approach and support, these necessary tasks can become manageable and even positive experiences, which may help ease anxiety around grooming appointments. |
| What social-emotional skills does this episode reinforce? | The episode emphasizes empathy, initiative, and adaptability. Children see Poppy recognize a need and take action without being asked, modeling proactive kindness. Pedro demonstrates flexibility in problem-solving when his first approach doesn't work. Both stories show the importance of understanding that others have different challenges and needs, and that offering help requires paying attention, being patient, and sometimes trying multiple approaches before finding what works. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Paxton makes his bark by painting a colorful city mural. Pedro helps the smaller pups race in the Kibble Cart Derby. |
| 1 | 2 | Pedro gets creative to help picky eater Puck try new things. Poppy finds the perfect way to celebrate Muttgomery's birthday. |
| 1 | 3 | Pippa saves the day when Nana Doxie's favorite exercise class is canceled. Puck invents a cool way to deal with a hot day. |
| 1 | 4 | Pippa prepares a special meal that friends with food allergies can enjoy. Poppy's imaginative thinking turns Delilah's cone into a game changer. |
| 1 | 5 | New neighbor Gus keeps getting lost, so Poppy steps up to help. Pedro finds a way to get waggly Dill to sit still for his trim at Gigi's Groom Palace. |
| 1 | 6 | Pippa creates new instruments for the band after theirs accidentally break. Poppy makes sure dogs of all sizes can access the new viewing tower. |
| 1 | 7 | Pedro helps create a traffic-free zone for scootering. The pups find a way to give their old toys new homes. |
| 1 | 8 | Pedro inspires the city to thank the Muttgomery firedogs. Puck brings the fun to a pal whose neighborhood has no playground. |
| 1 | 9 | When a heavy snowfall jeopardizes the annual holiday festival, the pups find unique ways to celebrate with all the snowed-in dogs in the city. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Poppy's cleanup mission inspires change in the neighborhood. Pedro sets out to retrieve a beloved ball from a nearby rooftop. |
| 2 | 2 | Pippa helps Rosie find a new way to style her bows. When Puck struggles to fall asleep, Pretzel invites him on a soothing journey. |
| 2 | 3 | Puck encourages Curly to face his fear of the local garbage truck. Paxton works on a special surprise for Nana Doxie. |
| 2 | 4 | Poppy leads a rainy-day trip to the Muttgomery Library. After Sammy hurts his paw, the pups cheer him up with a make-believe adventure. |
| 2 | 5 | Nana Doxie and her neighbors help Pedro master a scooter trick. Greta rallies the group for a hike to the snowy peak of Mount Muttgomery. |
| 2 | 6 | When Dill and Delilah's hamster goes missing, the pups leap into action. Pedro discovers a unique way to meet dogs who want to play. |
| 2 | 7 | Paxton searches for a place to work on his art. Poppy sees potential in a fallen tree near Waggington Square Park. |
| 2 | 8 | Russell and Grampy inspire a plan to help hungry pups. After Greta misses out on family fun, Poppy tries to recreate the magic. |
| 2 | 9 | Ms. Clawtez introduces the crew to a new friend. The pups celebrate their birthday and give back to the community. |
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