Dog Man: Mothering Heights

Toilet humor is a recurring motif throughout Dog Man: Mothering Heights, as well as through Dav Pilkey’s other works in the Captain Underpants and Dog Man series. Toilet humor is introduced in the exposition when Dog Man injures himself “in the Line of Doodie” (25). This satirical version of the oft-used phrase “Line of Duty” carries connotations of serious and life-threatening injuries acquired in a noble cause, such as defending the safety of civilians in a police chase or war zone.

The songs Li’l Petey and Molly also present satirical, toilet humor-themed versions of ones that would be familiar to the audience. The reworked songs are amusing because they are reworked to contain references to farts, poops, and toilets, such as “Stinkle Stinkle Little Fart,” which is obviously a modified version of the children’s lullaby “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” (113). This playful and silly humor reminds readers of the recurring theme of Silliness as Joyful and Important. Pilkey centralizes and celebrates toilet humor, establishing a tone of cheeky playfulness throughout his work. Furthermore, this humor is designed to appeal to his target audience of children.