Pup Academy - The King Sting (S1E17)
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.
| Runtime (min) | 25 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2019-12-08 |
| Genres | Kids, Comedy |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network(s) | Disney Channel |
Storyline
In this episode, the pups face their most urgent rescue mission yet when King, the street-smart dog who has been living independently outside the academy, is captured during a sudden raid on his hideout by Animal Control officers. The situation becomes critical as King finds himself trapped in the Animal Control facility, facing an uncertain future that could separate him from his friends and the community he knows.
Realizing they cannot accomplish this rescue alone, the Pup Academy students must rally together and recruit every available pup to help execute a daring plan to break King out before it's too late. The episode centers on themes of loyalty, teamwork, and the lengths friends will go to protect one of their own, even when that friend operates outside the traditional boundaries of their world. The pups must coordinate their efforts carefully, using their unique skills and training to navigate the challenges of infiltrating Animal Control and bringing King home safely.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the power of collective action and how working together can solve problems that seem impossible to tackle alone. When the pups realize that their usual small group cannot handle the rescue mission, they demonstrate the importance of asking for help and building coalitions. Young viewers learn that reaching out to others and pooling resources and talents is not a sign of weakness but a strategic strength.
The story also explores themes of loyalty and standing by friends even when circumstances are difficult or risky. The pups do not abandon King despite the danger involved in confronting Animal Control, showing children that true friendship means showing up when someone needs you most. This reinforces values of dependability and courage in the face of adversity.
Additionally, the episode touches on compassion for those who live differently or exist outside conventional structures. King's independent lifestyle does not make him less deserving of help and friendship, teaching children to look beyond surface differences and recognize the inherent worth in every individual, regardless of how they choose to live their lives.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Animal Control portrayed negatively in this episode? | Animal Control officers are shown performing their job of capturing stray animals, which creates the conflict but is presented as part of their official duties rather than villainous behavior. The episode focuses on the pups' perspective and their urgent need to rescue their friend, while Animal Control functions as an obstacle rather than an antagonist. This provides an opportunity to discuss with children how different perspectives exist in any situation. |
| Does this episode encourage children to interfere with authorities? | The rescue mission exists within the show's fantasy framework where dogs attend a secret academy and can communicate with each other. Parents can use this as a teaching moment to distinguish between the show's fictional world and real-life situations, emphasizing that in reality, proper channels and adult help are necessary when dealing with lost or captured pets, rather than taking matters into one's own hands. |
| What does this episode teach about helping friends? | The pups demonstrate unwavering loyalty by mobilizing everyone they can to help King, showing children that true friendship means taking action when someone is in trouble. The episode emphasizes that helping friends sometimes requires sacrifice, planning, and courage. It also shows that asking others for help and working as a team can accomplish what individuals cannot do alone, reinforcing positive social values. |
| Is the rescue mission suspenseful or scary for younger viewers? | The episode contains tension as the pups work against time to rescue King from Animal Control, which may create some suspense for younger or more sensitive children. However, the show maintains its family-friendly tone throughout, and the pups approach the challenge with determination rather than fear. Parents of anxious children may want to reassure them that the teamwork and planning will lead to a positive resolution. |
| What can I discuss with my child after this episode? | This episode opens conversations about loyalty, the importance of community support, and how we help those who may be different from us. Parents can discuss what it means to be a good friend during difficult times, why teamwork matters when facing big challenges, and how King's independent lifestyle still makes him worthy of friendship and protection. It is also an opportunity to talk about real-world pet safety and responsibility. |
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. |
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