Sharkdog - Green Around the Gills / A Storm in Foggy Springs / Poots and Vegetables (S1E5)
Sharkdog fakes a cold to keep Max from a camping trip. / A storm makes Sharkdog camouflage on cue. / Sharkdog’s new favorite snack is Brussels sprouts.
| Runtime (min) | 25 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2021-09-03 |
| Genres | Animation, Comedy, Family, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
This triple-segment episode follows Max and his half-shark, half-dog best friend through three distinct adventures. In the first segment, Sharkdog pretends to be sick because he doesn't want Max to leave him behind for a camping trip with his dad. Max catches on to the ruse when Sharkdog's symptoms seem suspiciously convenient, leading to a conversation about honesty and the importance of spending time with family.
The second segment introduces a thunderstorm that frightens Sharkdog, triggering an involuntary camouflage ability that makes him blend into his surroundings whenever he's startled. Max and his friends must help Sharkdog manage his fear so he can control this new power. In the final segment, Sharkdog discovers a love for Brussels sprouts, much to everyone's surprise. His enthusiasm for the vegetable leads to comedic situations as he seeks out more of his new favorite snack, teaching Max and viewers that trying new foods can lead to unexpected discoveries.
What kids learn
Children learn important lessons about honesty and communication through Sharkdog's attempt to fake illness. The episode demonstrates that pretending to be sick to avoid something you don't want to do creates more problems than it solves, and that it's better to express your true feelings directly. Max's patient response when he discovers the deception models how to address dishonesty with understanding rather than anger.
The storm segment teaches kids about managing fear and anxiety. Sharkdog's involuntary camouflage response illustrates how our bodies can react to stress, and the episode shows that facing fears with support from friends makes scary situations more manageable. Children see that it's okay to be afraid and that everyone needs help sometimes when dealing with overwhelming emotions.
The Brussels sprouts storyline encourages openness to new experiences, particularly with food. Sharkdog's willingness to try something unexpected and his genuine enjoyment of a vegetable many kids resist sends a positive message about expanding culinary horizons. The episode normalizes the idea that foods you think you won't like might actually become favorites if you give them a chance.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How should I talk to my child if they fake being sick to avoid something? | Use Max's approach as a model: address the behavior calmly and ask why they didn't want to go or participate. Create a safe space for your child to express their real feelings without fear of punishment. Explain that honesty helps you understand their needs better and that faking illness makes it harder to trust them when they're genuinely unwell. Focus on problem-solving together rather than simply punishing the deception. |
| Is the storm segment too scary for sensitive preschoolers? | The storm is presented as startling rather than terrifying, and Sharkdog's fear is treated with empathy and quickly resolved with friends' support. The episode keeps the tone light and focuses on helping Sharkdog feel safe. If your child is particularly anxious about storms, you might preview the segment yourself first, but most children will find Sharkdog's camouflage reaction more funny than frightening, which can actually help normalize storm anxiety. |
| Can this episode actually help my picky eater try Brussels sprouts? | While no single episode guarantees dietary changes, seeing a beloved character enthusiastically enjoy a typically rejected vegetable can lower resistance. The key is following up without pressure—mention that Sharkdog loved them and offer to prepare Brussels sprouts in an appealing way, but don't force the issue. Let your child's curiosity lead, and celebrate any willingness to try even a small bite, just as Max celebrates Sharkdog's adventurous eating. |
| What's the main message about friendship in this episode? | The episode emphasizes that true friends help each other through difficult moments rather than judging or abandoning one another. Max doesn't get angry when Sharkdog fakes illness; instead, he tries to understand what's really wrong. When Sharkdog is frightened by the storm, his friends rally to help him feel safe. These examples show children that friendship means showing up with patience and support, especially when someone is struggling or has made a mistake. |
| Are there any content concerns I should know about before watching? | The episode is gentle and age-appropriate for preschool and early elementary audiences. The deception in the first segment is clearly identified as wrong and resolved constructively. The storm creates mild tension but is handled supportively. There's no violence, rude language, or scary imagery beyond a typical thunderstorm. The Brussels sprouts humor is silly rather than gross. Overall, the content aligns well with the show's educational mission and positive social-emotional themes. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Max meets Sharkdog and finds a new best friend. / Sharkdog's a handful — how will Max keep him a secret? / Sharkdog fetches the wrong things around town. |
| 1 | 2 | Max calls for back-up from best pals Olivia and Royce. / Sharkdog digs out the moles in Max’s dad’s garden. / Barb Quigley snatches Sharkdog at sea. |
| 1 | 3 | Sharkdog’s the star of the Fisher family’s favorite show. / Sharkdog makes a mess when he's home alone. / Jealous Dennis challenges Max to a doggy contest. |
| 1 | 4 | Max, Royce and Sharkdog hunt for pirate treasure. / Sharkdog shakes a great white shark away from the Fishers. / Sharkdog spooks the fish at the aquarium. |
| 1 | 5 | Sharkdog fakes a cold to keep Max from a camping trip. / A storm makes Sharkdog camouflage on cue. / Sharkdog’s new favorite snack is Brussels sprouts. |
| 1 | 6 | Sharkdog stops Max from sleepwalking into the ocean. / Max keeps busy to buy a fancy drone for Ollie’s birthday. / Ollie has a hard time handling Sharkdog. |
| 1 | 7 | Capt. Quigley, Dennis and Mr. Heubel team up to catch Sharkdog at the carnival. / Max comes to the rescue when loyal friend Sharkdog gets in trouble. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | |
| 2 | 2 | |
| 2 | 3 | |
| 2 | 4 | |
| 2 | 5 | |
| 2 | 6 | |
| 2 | 7 |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | Sharkdog spends the day on his own. / Barb and Sharkdog search for a secret map. / The boys get spooked after watching a scary movie at a sleepover. |
| 3 | 2 | Sharkdog tries to help Mr. Heubel win an art contest. / Max and Sharkdog accidentally delete Mom's news report. / Mia gets a new favorite Sharkdog. |
| 3 | 3 | The Sharkpack tries to decode a secret map. / Ollie needs to learn how to ice skate... and fast! / Barb is too scared to sail in the cold weather. |
| 3 | 4 | The Sharkpack arrives on the secret island to search for more Sharkdogs. / Mia brings a mysterious egg to school. / A Sharkpup crashes Mom's spa day. |
| 3 | 5 | The Sharkpups get loose in Max's school. / Max and Sharkdog compete to see who's a better Sharkpup trainer. / Max bets Dennis he can sell more dog treats. |
| 3 | 6 | What's causing the pups to go into Sharkmode? / The Sharkpups are running wild in Foggy Springs! / Barb and Dad help the Sharkpack wrangle the Sharkpups. |
| 3 | 7 | The Sharkpack, Barb and Dad embark on an exciting adventure to return the Sharkpups to their island. But will the team make it home in one piece? |
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