Jean Donaldson Unveils Second Edition of "Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs" on The Pawsitive Post in Conversation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Renowned dog trainer Jean Donaldson recently joined Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson on episode 60 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation podcast to discuss the critical issue of resource guarding in dogs and the release of the second edition of her highly influential book, Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs. The discussion provided invaluable insights for dog guardians grappling with this common, yet often misunderstood, canine behavior, emphasizing evidence-based solutions over outdated, potentially harmful approaches.

The episode, available across major podcast platforms and on YouTube, featured a deep dive into the complexities of resource guarding—a behavior where a dog protects food, objects, locations, or even people from perceived threats. Donaldson, a towering figure in the world of humane dog training, shared the motivations behind updating her seminal work, first published nearly a quarter-century ago.

The Evolution of Understanding Resource Guarding: A Quarter-Century of Refinement

Donaldson revealed that the decision to release a second edition of Mine! stemmed from over two decades of additional case experience and the continuous refinement of training methodologies. The original text, written with a cautious approach for DIY dog owners, included every conceivable incremental step to ensure safety and prevent incidents. However, 24 years of practice, coupled with coaching numerous graduates from her prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, illuminated opportunities for greater efficiency in the training plans.

"The first edition really had every conceivable sort of step. It was very incremental plans because I was thinking, geez, you know, here’s how many cases I’ve done, and this is going to be people probably doing some DIY with it," Donaldson explained during the podcast. "Since then, having done a lot more cases and coached a lot of Academy graduates and trainers on cases, I’ve sort of refined the plans that the vast majority of dogs are going to need these steps, and only some will need these additional steps. And so I was able to make it more efficient."

This refinement allows the second edition to offer more streamlined plans for the average resource-guarding dog, while still providing more detailed, incremental steps for particularly challenging cases. Dog guardians are encouraged to start with the standard plan and refer to the additional steps if they encounter specific sticking points, ensuring a tailored and effective approach. This evolution reflects a broader trend in animal behavior science towards increasingly precise and individually tailored interventions, moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions.

Debunking Dominance and Other Pervasive Myths

A significant portion of the conversation focused on dismantling persistent myths surrounding resource guarding. Historically, canine aggression, including resource guarding, was often attributed to a dog’s attempt to assert "dominance" over its human companions. This led to misguided advice, such as forcibly taking food or objects from a dog, believed to "show the dog who’s boss." Donaldson vehemently rejects this premise, categorizing it as "overkill" and an inaccurate interpretation of canine behavior.

"In the old days, it used to be seen as the dog is dominant. And this was sort of… it implied kind of an immutable character trait that there was something kind of wrong with this dog rather than he’s just doing a thing that we would rather he not do," Donaldson stated. She highlighted that such interpretations often ignored the highly modifiable nature of resource guarding when addressed with appropriate, positive reinforcement techniques. The success of methods involving rewarding a dog for voluntary relinquishment or tolerance, often with high-value treats, demonstrates that resource guarding is a learned behavior rather than an inherent character flaw.

Furthermore, Donaldson clarified that resource guarding is not a sign of abnormality or pathology in dogs. "It’s normal animal behavior," she asserted, drawing parallels to behaviors observed in wild canids and other species. The variation in its expression among domestic dogs, she noted, is largely due to the absence of strong natural selection pressures in domesticated environments. Unlike their wild counterparts, domestic dogs are not consistently selected for or against resource guarding tendencies, leading to its varied prevalence.

Another common misconception addressed was the idea that "spoiling" a dog leads to resource guarding. Donaldson challenged this notion, arguing that "spoiling" often equates to meeting a dog’s needs and being kind, which are positive aspects of responsible pet ownership. Resource guarding, she explained, often emerges at specific developmental stages, irrespective of an owner’s perceived indulgence, further underscoring its innate, rather than induced, nature. This reframing helps alleviate owner guilt and shifts focus towards practical, behavior-modification strategies.

The Importance of "Warm-up" in Training and Technical Precision

Kristi Benson, co-host and a graduate of Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers, brought up a crucial concept from the Academy’s curriculum: the importance of "warm-up" in training. Donaldson elaborated on this, explaining that for certain behaviors, like resource guarding, it’s essential for a dog to perform correctly "cold"—meaning without prior repetitions or cues that signal a training session is underway.

"We want it cold. We don’t want the dog to aggress at all," Donaldson emphasized. The goal is for the dog to consistently exhibit the desired behavior (e.g., not guarding food when approached) in real-life, spontaneous situations, not just when they are "in the mood to train" after several warm-up repetitions. This technical precision, often overlooked by less experienced trainers, is a cornerstone of effective behavior modification and is thoroughly covered in the new edition of Mine!

Comorbidities and a Holistic View of Canine Behavior

The discussion also touched upon the concept of "comorbidities" – other behavioral issues that may accompany resource guarding. Donaldson identified food and object guarding as frequently co-occurring. More intriguingly, she noted a potential correlation between resource guarding and issues with body handling, affectionately termed "Don’t touch me, don’t touch my stuff" dogs within the Academy. While acknowledging this observation might be anecdotal, it highlights the importance of a holistic assessment of a dog’s behavior when addressing specific challenges. Co-host Kristi Benson shared her own dog, Archer, as an example, illustrating how a dog might guard resources and also be particular about physical contact. This nuanced understanding encourages owners and trainers to look beyond isolated behaviors and consider the broader context of a dog’s temperament and interactions.

Navigating Resource Guarding: Management vs. Intervention

Donaldson provided crucial distinctions between managing resource guarding when it occurs between dogs in a household and actively training to modify it when directed towards humans. For inter-dog guarding that does not result in injury or significant fear in one of the dogs, Donaldson suggests a "do nothing" approach. "Dogs tend to cope really well. They read each other well and they mind each other’s stuff," she explained, advocating for allowing natural canine communication in such scenarios. This perspective helps owners avoid unnecessary intervention in normal social dynamics, reducing their own stress and allowing dogs to resolve minor conflicts naturally.

However, when resource guarding is directed at humans, particularly involving growling, snapping, or biting, intervention is strongly recommended. Donaldson’s book provides the structured plans necessary to address these human-directed guarding behaviors safely and effectively. The goal is to build a dog’s trust and change its emotional response to human proximity near valuable items, ensuring safety for both dog and owner. Zazie Todd shared a personal anecdote about her Shih Tzu, Pepper, who initially guarded food aggressively, highlighting how such issues can be "very easily resolved" with the right approach.

When to Seek Professional Guidance: The Imperative of Competent Trainers

A central theme throughout the podcast was the critical role of competent dog trainers. While Mine! is designed to empower owners with DIY strategies, Donaldson strongly advised seeking professional help for any instance where a dog exhibits growling, snarling, snapping, or biting.

"I think the safest answer is to get a competent trainer on board for pretty much anything," Donaldson emphasized, particularly when potential harm is involved. She cautioned listeners about the variability in the dog training industry, where methodologies can range from humane, science-based approaches to outdated, potentially harmful ones. "It is still the case that you could hire somebody who’s going to come and make it worse," she warned, urging people to be "smart shoppers" and seek trainers affiliated with reputable organizations like the Academy for Dog Trainers or the Pet Professional Guild. This advice underscores the ethical responsibility of owners to ensure their dog’s well-being and safety, as well as their own.

Jean Donaldson’s Enduring Legacy

Jean Donaldson’s impact on the field of dog training is profound. As the founder of the Academy for Dog Trainers, often dubbed the "Harvard for dog trainers," she has been instrumental in professionalizing the industry and championing science-based, force-free methods. Her earlier work, particularly The Culture Clash, was named the number one training and behavior book by The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, establishing her as a leading voice against dominance theory and in favor of understanding dogs on their own terms. Her 2017 course, Dog Training 101 for The Great Courses, further solidified her reputation for accessible, effective instruction. The release of the second edition of Mine! continues this legacy, providing updated, practical guidance informed by extensive experience and evolving scientific understanding.

Donaldson’s work has significantly contributed to a paradigm shift in how canine behavior is interpreted and addressed. By demystifying behaviors like resource guarding and presenting them as modifiable, she empowers owners with the knowledge and tools to foster stronger, safer relationships with their dogs, ultimately reducing behavioral relinquishments and enhancing overall animal welfare.

A Recommended Read and Future Engagements

Beyond the topic of dog training, Donaldson shared a non-canine literary recommendation: The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV by Dr. Helen Castor. She humorously noted the book’s relevance to resource guarding, describing it as a historical account of "wrestling for the ultimate resource, which was the throne of England."

Listeners interested in delving deeper into Donaldson’s work can find Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs wherever books are sold. The conversation on The Pawsitive Post in Conversation served as a valuable precursor to Jean Donaldson’s confirmed participation in Bark! Fest 2026, a book festival for animal lovers scheduled for September. Further details about Bark! Fest will be released via the Companion Animal Psychology newsletter, promising another opportunity to engage with leading experts in animal behavior.

The episode with Jean Donaldson reaffirms the podcast’s commitment to providing evidence-based information to dog owners, fostering a more informed and compassionate approach to canine companionship. The updated Mine! is poised to become an essential resource for preventing and resolving resource guarding, ensuring harmonious households for years to come.