Renowned Dog Trainer Jean Donaldson Releases Second Edition of ‘Mine!’ Addressing Resource Guarding in Dogs

In a significant development for the canine behavior community, acclaimed dog trainer and author Jean Donaldson has released the second edition of her seminal work, "Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs." The updated guide, published by Dogwise, promises to offer refined strategies and clearer insights into managing and resolving one of the most common and often misunderstood behavioral challenges faced by dog guardians globally. Donaldson recently discussed the motivations behind this new edition and the intricacies of resource guarding with Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson on episode 60 of "The Pawsitive Post in Conversation" podcast.

The podcast, available on major platforms like Apple and Spotify, as well as on YouTube, provided an in-depth exploration of resource guarding, covering everything from its underlying causes to practical, humane intervention strategies. Donaldson’s appearance underscored the critical need for evidence-based approaches in dog training, moving away from outdated and potentially harmful methodologies.

The Evolution of Understanding Resource Guarding

Resource guarding, a behavior where a dog displays aggression (growling, snapping, biting) to protect items like food, toys, sleeping spots, or even people from perceived threats, is a deeply ingrained instinct in many species. For decades, this behavior was often misattributed to "dominance" or a dog attempting to assert control over its human household. This interpretation led to widespread advice that involved confronting the dog, such as forcefully taking away its food bowl, under the misguided belief that it would "show the dog who’s boss."

Jean Donaldson, a pioneer in positive reinforcement and science-based dog training, has been instrumental in dismantling these harmful myths. Her initial edition of "Mine!" challenged the prevailing wisdom, advocating for empathetic, non-confrontational methods. With nearly 25 years having passed since the first edition, Donaldson’s experience with thousands of additional cases has provided invaluable data, leading to a more nuanced understanding and refined intervention protocols.

"The short answer is that about 20 or almost 25 years of additional cases under my belt [led to the second edition], and so refining what needs to be done and what actually is superfluous," Donaldson explained during the podcast. This extensive practical experience has allowed her to streamline the training plans, making them more efficient and accessible for dog guardians and professional trainers alike. The new edition aims to guide individuals through the process more effectively, distinguishing between steps essential for the majority of dogs and those required only for more challenging cases.

"Mine!": A Refined Guide for Dog Guardians

The second edition of "Mine!" is touted as a more streamlined and user-friendly resource. Donaldson noted that the original text, while comprehensive, included "every conceivable incremental step" out of caution for DIY users. The updated version, however, offers a more efficient path, allowing users to adopt "a la carte" strategies tailored to their dog’s specific needs. This refinement is a direct result of observing common pitfalls and successful strategies across a vast number of real-world scenarios.

A core principle highlighted in the discussion is the importance of technical correctness in applying any training plan. Donaldson emphasized that even with the right plan, errors in execution can hinder progress. She revealed that when coaching trainers, issues often stem from "mission-critical errors" in procedure rather than the dog requiring more advanced steps. The book now explicitly guides users on identifying when to transition to more incremental plans if they encounter common sticking points, ensuring a safer and more effective training journey.

Debunking Common Myths: Normal Behavior, Not Pathology

One of the most persistent myths surrounding resource guarding is that it signifies an "abnormal" or "bad" dog, or that it is a consequence of "spoiling" a pet. Donaldson unequivocally dispelled these notions, stating, "It’s not pathology. It’s normal animal behavior." She elaborated that while 100% of wild canids like wolves exhibit resource guarding, the behavior is "hit and miss" in domesticated dogs due to a lack of strong selective breeding pressure against it. It’s a "vestigial normal animal behavior," a remnant of ancestral survival instincts.

Furthermore, the idea that "spoiling" a dog leads to guarding issues was strongly refuted. Donaldson pointed out that the term "spoiling" often translates to owners simply being kind and meeting their dog’s needs. Resource guarding, she observed, typically emerges at a certain age, "kind of like clockwork, regardless of history," suggesting an innate predisposition rather than a learned consequence of indulgence. This reframing is crucial for owners, as it removes the burden of guilt and allows them to approach the behavior with understanding rather than judgment.

The Critical Role of "Warmup" in Training

Kristi Benson raised an important point about "warmup" in training, a concept Donaldson deemed critical, particularly for resource guarding. Unlike some training objectives where a dog’s performance might improve after a few repetitions (getting "warmed up"), resource guarding intervention demands that the desired behavior (not guarding) occurs "cold" – immediately, without prior conditioning in that specific moment.

"We want it cold," Donaldson stated, explaining that in real-life scenarios, a dog must not guard the first time an owner approaches its food bowl or a guarded location. The training must generalize to immediate, unexpected contexts. This highlights the necessity of thorough and consistent practice, ensuring the dog’s positive association with approach and interaction is robust and automatic, rather than requiring an explicit "training mode" cue.

Resource Guarding and Comorbidities: "Don’t Touch Me, Don’t Touch My Stuff"

The discussion also touched upon potential comorbidities, specifically the observation that dogs exhibiting resource guarding might also display sensitivities to body handling. Donaldson humorously referred to such dogs as "Don’t touch me, don’t touch my stuff" types. While she acknowledged this link might be anecdotal and require further scientific validation, the correlation is frequently observed in her extensive experience and among Academy for Dog Trainers graduates. This suggests a broader sensitivity to perceived invasions of personal space or control, which can manifest in both resource protection and aversion to certain physical interactions. Recognizing this potential overlap allows owners and trainers to adopt a more holistic approach to behavior modification.

Navigating Dog-on-Dog Resource Guarding

A particularly insightful segment of the podcast addressed resource guarding between dogs. Donaldson offered a nuanced perspective: while human-dog guarding often necessitates intervention for safety and harmony, dog-on-dog guarding might not always require direct human interference.

"The first line of defense is to do nothing," she advised, provided that "they’re not hurting each other, so they’re not actually inflicting injuries, and if no dog is being made fearful." Dogs, she explained, are often better at negotiating these interactions among themselves than humans give them credit for. They read each other’s signals and often establish their own boundaries. Human intervention, in such cases, can sometimes escalate tensions or prevent dogs from developing their own coping mechanisms. This hands-off approach, when appropriate, fosters natural communication and reduces unnecessary human anxiety. However, if aggression leads to injury or chronic fear in one of the dogs, intervention becomes necessary.

Kristi Benson shared an amusing anecdote about her dog, Soleil, who guards resources not in her possession but those of another dog, Archer, from their third dog. This illustrates the diverse and sometimes complex manifestations of resource guarding among canines, emphasizing the need for keen observation and tailored strategies.

When to Seek Professional Help

Despite the wealth of information provided in "Mine!", Donaldson strongly recommended engaging a competent professional dog trainer in cases involving growling, snarling, snapping, or biting. "Immediately get yourself into competent hands," she urged, acknowledging that the dog training industry can be a "jungle out there" with a wide spectrum of competence and ethical practices.

She stressed the importance of being a "smart shopper," advising individuals to seek trainers affiliated with reputable organizations like the Academy for Dog Trainers or the Pet Professional Guild, which emphasize humane, science-based methods. Hiring an unqualified trainer, she warned, could exacerbate the problem and put both the dog and the owner at risk. This call to action underscores the severity of aggression and the need for expert guidance to ensure safe and effective resolution.

The Impact of Accessible Education and Professional Standards

Jean Donaldson’s career has been defined by her dedication to elevating the standards of dog training through education. As the founder of the Academy for Dog Trainers and author of "Culture Clash," recognized as the number one training and behavior book by The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, her influence is profound. "Dog Training 101 for The Great Courses" further solidified her role as a leading educator.

The release of the second edition of "Mine!" and the accompanying podcast discussion are more than just product launches; they represent a continued commitment to empowering dog guardians with accurate, actionable information. By demystifying complex behaviors like resource guarding and offering clear, humane solutions, Donaldson’s work contributes significantly to improving dog welfare, strengthening the human-animal bond, and potentially reducing the number of dogs surrendered to shelters due to behavioral issues. The accessibility of such resources, through books and podcasts, is vital in bridging the gap between scientific understanding and practical application for the everyday dog owner.

Looking Ahead: Bark! Fest 2026

Enthusiasts of canine behavior and literature will have another opportunity to engage with Jean Donaldson at the upcoming Bark! Fest 2026, a book festival dedicated to animal lovers. Her confirmed participation highlights the ongoing dialogue and community engagement around critical topics in animal behavior. Details for the event are expected to be released via the Companion Animal Psychology newsletter, encouraging continued learning and interaction within the community.

The conversation with Jean Donaldson on "The Pawsitive Post in Conversation" serves as a powerful reminder of the evolving understanding of dog behavior. By promoting evidence-based methods and debunking long-held myths, resources like "Mine!" and platforms like this podcast are instrumental in fostering more harmonious and safer relationships between humans and their canine companions. The second edition of "Mine!" stands as a testament to continuous learning and refinement in the field of dog behavior, offering renewed hope and practical guidance to those navigating the challenges of resource guarding.