Taking Back the Words: Obedience
Taking back obedience: what dogs need before they can reliably listen, and how practice builds the skills we hope to see.
Puppy & dog behavior blog
Speaking Dog.
Your dog is already talking.
Let’s make sense of it.
Body language, puppyhood, big feelings, and everyday life together. Practical articles and videos to help you understand your dog—and find your next small step.
A little understanding changes the conversation. LOVE | PLAY | TRAIN
A good place to begin
What’s happening
with your dog?
You don’t have to learn everything today. Start with the question you brought with you.
“What is my dog trying to tell me?”
Look at the whole dog—and what’s happening around them.
Read dog body language ↗“Something feels too big for my dog.”
Learn to notice fear and understand what support can look like.
Understand fear ↗“We have a puppy. Now what?”
Teeth, tiny attention spans, and a lot to figure out. Begin with the setup.
Take your first step ↗New from Jody · September 20, 2026
The day we put it
in writing.
The things we say in class now have a home on the website. Our manifesto. Our methodology. And a few words we’re ready to take back.
Read the introductionThe Speaking Dog library
Find your next “ohhh.”
Explore puppy development, body language, fear, play, and practical training. Read, watch, and come back when the next question shows up.
Taking Back the Words: Naughty
Is your puppy naughty, or learning in a new room? Taking back the word with context, preparation, and a better question about behavior.
Taking Back the Words: Leader
Taking back the word leader: how trust, connection, and clear guidance help dogs learn—and why dominance misses the point.
Taking Back the Words: Punishment
Taking back the word punishment: understanding consequences, keeping connection, and making room for a better choice.
Taking Back the Words: Calm
Calm is learned, not innate — and a dog who can't come back up wasn't calm. Seven witnesses, a hundred years, four species, and one…
Explore the topic archivesBody languagePuppy developmentBehavior & emotionFear & stressTraining foundationsLife with dogs
The person behind the posts
Hi, I’m Jody.
I’m a dog trainer, a writer, and the founder of Go Anywhere Dog®. I’ve worked professionally with dogs since 2004. These are the conversations we have in class, brought home to you.
Meet Jody Karow, CTC ↗Safety is the foundation.
The learning builds from there.
Our approach puts regulation and skill development together—with no pain, fear, or intimidation.
Bring the learning into your life
Sometimes you need
a person beside you.
Our classes meet in Eden Prairie. Our in-home team works with families across Minneapolis and the western and southwestern suburbs.
Not sure where to start? Ask Jeannie or call 651-686-9059.
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