Pup Academy - The Substitute (S1E11)
A sick day for Morgan means an adventurous day for his friendly fill-in! Meanwhile, the pups get playful with a collection of creative pranks.
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2019-09-18 |
| Genres | Kids, Comedy |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network(s) | Disney Channel |
Storyline
When Morgan calls in sick, a substitute teacher arrives at Pup Academy to take over his classes for the day. The friendly fill-in brings a fresh energy and different teaching style to the academy, creating an adventurous atmosphere that contrasts with Morgan's usual approach. The substitute's methods and personality introduce new dynamics among the students and staff, leading to unexpected moments throughout the school day.
Meanwhile, the pups seize the opportunity presented by the change in routine to engage in a series of creative pranks around the academy. The playful antics escalate as the pups test boundaries and have fun with their mischievous schemes. The episode balances the substitute teacher's efforts to maintain order and connect with the students while the pups navigate the consequences of their pranking spree, ultimately learning lessons about responsibility and respect even in the absence of their regular instructor.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about adaptability and respect for authority figures beyond their usual caregivers or teachers. When Morgan is absent, the pups must adjust to a substitute's different teaching style and expectations, demonstrating that flexibility and open-mindedness are important skills when routines change. Children learn that showing respect and cooperation isn't just about obeying one specific person, but about understanding the roles people play in their lives.
The pranking storyline offers lessons about boundaries, consequences, and the difference between harmless fun and disruptive behavior. While creativity and playfulness are celebrated, the episode shows that pranks can go too far and affect others negatively. Children see how actions have ripple effects on the community around them, especially when authority figures are trying to maintain a positive learning environment.
The episode also reinforces themes of personal responsibility and making good choices even when regular supervision is relaxed. The pups must decide for themselves how to behave, illustrating that character is defined by what we do when no one is watching, not just when our usual teachers or parents are present.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the substitute teacher portrayed positively in this episode? | The substitute teacher is depicted as friendly and well-meaning, bringing adventurous energy to the academy. The character serves as a positive role model who tries to connect with students despite being new to the environment. The episode shows that different teaching styles can be valuable, helping children understand that change doesn't have to be threatening and that various authority figures deserve respect and cooperation. |
| What kinds of pranks do the pups play, and are they appropriate? | The pranks in this episode are creative and playful rather than mean-spirited or dangerous. They're designed to be humorous and age-appropriate for the show's target audience. While the specific pranks showcase the pups' mischievous side, the episode uses them as teaching moments about boundaries and consequences rather than glorifying disruptive behavior, making them suitable viewing for elementary-aged children. |
| Does the episode teach that it's okay to misbehave when the regular teacher is gone? | No, the episode ultimately reinforces that good behavior matters regardless of who's in charge. While the pups initially take advantage of Morgan's absence to engage in pranks, the storyline leads them toward understanding that their actions have consequences and that respect for authority shouldn't depend on which specific adult is present. The lesson emphasizes personal responsibility and integrity. |
| How does Morgan's absence affect the academy's routine? | Morgan's sick day creates a shift in the academy's usual atmosphere, with the substitute bringing different energy and teaching methods. This change serves as the catalyst for both the adventurous elements and the pups' pranking behavior. The episode uses this disruption to explore how communities function when key members are temporarily absent, showing children that routines can flex while still maintaining core values and expectations. |
| Are there any lessons about empathy for sick people or substitute teachers? | The episode touches on empathy by showing how Morgan's absence affects the academy and by depicting the substitute teacher's efforts to fill challenging shoes. Children can learn to appreciate the difficulty of stepping into someone else's role and understand that both sick individuals and substitutes deserve consideration and respect. The storyline encourages viewers to think about how their behavior impacts others who are doing their best in difficult circumstances. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Class is officially in session after the wise D.O.G. recruits a new group of canine classmates. Elsewhere, young human Morgan learns about the academy. |
| 1 | 2 | When the pups share stories about their owners, Spark struggles with her shortcomings. But can she fake it to impress her professors and classmates? |
| 1 | 3 | Morgan's schedule gets messy when he's asked to support the academy and his own school duties. Also, the pups take a pop quiz. Let the chaos begin! |
| 1 | 4 | Corazon lands in an im-paws-ible situation when he tells a lie to impress his crush, Pom Pom. Will he come clean before the Pup Academy talent show? |
| 1 | 5 | It's a ruff day for Corazon when a surprise guest follows in his footsteps and challenges the rules. Meanwhile, Morgan tries some new gadgets. |
| 1 | 6 | A new day dawns on Wolfehead as Spark encounters King. At the academy, the pups learn about baby talk ... and try to understand why humans love it. |
| 1 | 7 | As Izzy grows suspicious of Corazon's daily routine, Charlie takes D.O.G. out for the day — and leaves Morgan with a long list of responsibilities. |
| 1 | 8 | Ready for a purr-fect rivalry? Whiz, Corazon, Spark and the rest of the pups learn how to coexist with nature's enemies: cats. |
| 1 | 9 | The pups pair off and partner up for an academy-wide scavenger hunt. But when Morgan and Spark stray from the path, things take an eerie turn. |
| 1 | 10 | While Corazon struggles with an awkward accessory, Morgan and Izzy make a major mistake that threatens the fantastic future of Pup Academy. |
| 1 | 11 | A sick day for Morgan means an adventurous day for his friendly fill-in! Meanwhile, the pups get playful with a collection of creative pranks. |
| 1 | 12 | Pup Academy celebrates a special day of student reviews, Charlie shares a meaningful gift with Morgan, and King's dark past comes to light. |
| 1 | 13 | The greatest friendship on earth is at risk when the constellation that powers Pup Academy fades out and humans no longer want dogs as best buds. |
| 1 | 14 | Spark explains her side of the story after leaving the Academy, but Corazon and Whiz soon find out it was all part of Professor Fitz's sinister plans. |
| 1 | 15 | Everyone thinks Spark is the Chosen One according to school prophecy. But since Spark spent her life as a stray, she's not used to special treatment. |
| 1 | 16 | Some uninvited guests look to stink up this year's Howlathon during the harvest moon. But Corazon has a smelly secret weapon to stop them. |
| 1 | 17 | The pups need all the extra paws they can get to help break King out of Animal Control when he's snatched up after his hideout is suddenly raided. |
| 1 | 18 | It's the Howlers vs. the Growlers on the fetchball field. Will Spark be the first stray to win the MVP trophy, or will Bite take the title once again? |
| 1 | 19 | The guard dogs haven't seen a sign of Wolf in weeks, but D.O.G. can't shake the feeling that something wicked will try to ruin the pups' Graduation Day. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | The greatest friendship on earth is at risk when the constellation that powers Pup Academy fades out and humans no longer want dogs as best buds. |
| 2 | 2 | Spark explains her side of the story after leaving the Academy, but Corazon and Whiz soon find out it was all part of Professor Fitz's sinister plans. |
| 2 | 3 | Everyone thinks Spark is the Chosen One according to school prophecy. But since Spark spent her life as a stray, she's not used to special treatment. |
| 2 | 4 | Some uninvited guests look to stink up this year's Howlathon during the harvest moon. But Corazon has a smelly secret weapon to stop them. |
| 2 | 5 | The pups need all the extra paws they can get to help break King out of Animal Control when he's snatched up after his hideout is suddenly raided. |
| 2 | 6 | It's the Howlers vs. the Growlers on the fetchball field. Will Spark be the first stray to win the MVP trophy, or will Bite take the title once again? |
| 2 | 7 | The guard dogs haven't seen a sign of Wolf in weeks, but D.O.G. can't shake the feeling that something wicked will try to ruin the pups' Graduation Day. |
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.