Resource guarding in dogs and what to do about it with Jean Donaldson

Renowned dog trainer and author Jean Donaldson recently provided invaluable insights into the complex and often misunderstood behavior of resource guarding in dogs during her appearance on Episode 60 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation podcast. Joined by hosts Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson, Donaldson delved into the updated second edition of her seminal work, Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs. The discussion illuminated the evolution of understanding this behavior, debunked prevalent myths, and offered clear, actionable strategies for dog guardians and professionals alike.

The Second Edition of "Mine!": A Refined Approach to a Pervasive Issue

The impetus behind the release of the second edition of Mine! stems from nearly a quarter-century of accumulated experience and refinement in the field of dog behavior. First published over two decades ago, the original Mine! quickly became an indispensable resource for understanding and addressing resource guarding. Donaldson explained that the intervening 20 to 25 years brought a wealth of new case studies and a deeper understanding of what truly works in practical application. This extensive experience allowed her to streamline the book’s methodologies, making the updated edition more efficient and user-friendly for a wider audience.

"The first edition really had every conceivable sort of step. It was very incremental plans," Donaldson stated, reflecting on her initial approach, which aimed to provide exhaustive guidance for individuals who might be attempting do-it-yourself solutions without direct professional supervision. While effective, this comprehensive approach sometimes led to plans that were more arduous than necessary for the majority of cases. The second edition distills these learnings, offering a more agile framework where "the vast majority of dogs are going to need these steps, and only some will need these additional steps." This allows for a more tailored approach, enabling readers to focus on the most critical interventions without getting bogged down by superfluous details. The updated book, featuring a striking new cover by acclaimed artist Lili Chin depicting Buffy the Chow Chow, aims to be both scientifically robust and practically accessible.

Deconstructing Resource Guarding: Beyond Dominance Theory

A significant portion of the discussion centered on dispelling persistent myths surrounding resource guarding. Historically, this behavior was often mislabeled as "dominance aggression," a concept that posited dogs were attempting to assert their superiority over their human companions. This outdated interpretation frequently led to punitive and confrontational training methods, such as physically removing a dog’s food or objects, which often exacerbated the problem and eroded the dog-owner bond.

Donaldson unequivocally refutes the dominance theory in this context. "It used to be seen as the dog is dominant," she explained, implying an "immutable character trait" that unjustly stigmatized dogs. Modern behavioral science, championed by experts like Donaldson, views resource guarding not as a pathology or a sign of a "bad" dog, but as a normal, vestigial animal behavior. It is rooted in the evolutionary drive to protect valuable resources, a trait crucial for survival in wild canid populations. The variability of its expression in domesticated dogs, she noted, is largely due to the absence of strong natural selection pressure against it in breeding programs.

"It’s not pathology. It’s normal animal behavior," Donaldson asserted, highlighting that the behavior often manifests "like clockwork, regardless of history," suggesting an innate component rather than a learned flaw induced by "spoiling" a dog. The notion of "spoiling," often used to criticize owners who are kind and responsive to their dogs’ needs, is also debunked. Donaldson posited that what is often labeled as spoiling is simply meeting a dog’s needs and treating them with kindness, which is beneficial, not detrimental. The ease with which resource guarding can be modified using positive reinforcement, often with simple interventions like offering high-value treats (chicken, as she mentioned), further underscores that it is a behavioral issue amenable to training, not an inherent character defect.

Practical Strategies for Owners and Trainers: Emphasizing Safety and Precision

The discussion moved into the practical application of the book’s methods, emphasizing the importance of precise execution. Donaldson advised that individuals should begin with the standard training plans outlined in Mine! and only escalate to the more incremental "slower plans" if they encounter difficulties or "get stuck." A critical element, she stressed, is not just choosing the correct plan but ensuring it is "technically doing it right." Minor errors in procedure can impede progress, and experienced trainers often identify these "mission critical errors" when coaching clients.

A unique concept highlighted was the importance of "warm-up" in training. Unlike some behaviors where a dog’s performance improves after a few repetitions, resource guarding requires the dog to respond appropriately "cold"—that is, immediately and without prior cues or warm-up exercises. Donaldson likened this to a dog’s tendency to jump up when greeting someone for the first time; the desired behavior (not jumping) must occur instantly. Similarly, when an owner first approaches a dog’s food bowl or a guarded location, the dog must not guard. The training, therefore, must aim for this "stone cold" reliability in real-life scenarios, not just during structured training sessions where the dog might anticipate rewards.

The core of the Mine! method revolves around counter-conditioning and desensitization. This involves systematically changing a dog’s emotional response to a perceived threat (e.g., a human approaching their food) from negative (fear, aggression) to positive (anticipation of a reward). This is achieved by pairing the approach with something highly desirable, like delicious treats, always ensuring the dog remains below its aggression threshold. This gradual, positive approach contrasts sharply with confrontational methods, which typically increase stress and escalate guarding behaviors.

Understanding Comorbidities and the "Spicy Guarder"

Resource guarding rarely exists in isolation. Donaldson noted common "comorbidities," particularly the tendency for dogs who guard food to also guard objects. She also observed a correlation, though less definitively backed by research, between resource guarding and body handling sensitivities. Affectionately termed "Don’t touch me, don’t touch my stuff" dogs within the Academy for Dog Trainers, these individuals may exhibit prickliness when touched or handled in certain ways, in addition to protecting their possessions. This insight is crucial for owners, as addressing one aspect of guarding may require awareness and simultaneous attention to others.

The conversation also touched upon the varied reactions trainers have to "spicy guarders"—dogs who exhibit strong, overt guarding behaviors. While some individuals might find such dogs challenging, many experienced trainers, including Donaldson and the podcast hosts, find them "interesting" and "trainable." This perspective highlights the professional satisfaction derived from successfully modifying complex behaviors, transforming what might be seen as a problematic dog into a well-adjusted companion.

A significant distinction was drawn between resource guarding directed at humans versus that directed at other dogs within the same household. Donaldson advised that for inter-dog guarding, the "first line of defense is to do nothing" if no physical injuries are inflicted and no dog is becoming overtly fearful. Dogs, she explained, often manage these interactions effectively, reading each other’s cues and respecting boundaries, much better than humans might initially perceive. This contrasts with human-directed guarding, where intervention is almost always recommended due to safety concerns and the disruption of the human-animal bond. This nuanced approach underscores the importance of understanding the specific context of the guarding behavior.

Donaldson shared anecdotes of her own dogs, including Buffy, the Chow Chow featured on the book cover, who was a prodigious guarder from puppyhood, even "for sport." Zazie Todd also recounted an early experience with her Shih Tzu, Pepper, who initially guarded his food, a behavior easily resolved with the right approach. These personal stories illustrate both the commonality and the modifiability of resource guarding. Donaldson also recalled a particularly challenging case involving an Old English Sheepdog that guarded "everything"—any piece of matter within its radius—underscoring the spectrum of severity and the importance of expert guidance for complex situations.

When Professional Help Becomes Essential: Navigating the Training Landscape

While Mine! offers a comprehensive guide for many owners, Donaldson strongly emphasized the necessity of seeking professional help under certain circumstances. "If a dog is growling, snarling, snapping, biting, immediately get yourself into competent hands," she advised. These behaviors signal a higher risk level, warranting the expertise of a qualified professional who can assess the situation safely and develop a tailored intervention plan.

The warning about the variability in competence and humaneness among dog trainers was also a critical point. Donaldson cautioned that the dog training industry remains largely unregulated, creating a "jungle out there" where individuals might inadvertently hire trainers whose methods could worsen the problem. She directed listeners to reputable organizations like the Academy for Dog Trainers (which she founded) or the Pet Professional Guild, which vet trainers based on their commitment to positive, science-based, and humane methodologies. This guidance is vital for owners seeking effective, ethical, and safe solutions for their dogs.

Jean Donaldson’s Enduring Legacy in Dog Behavior

Jean Donaldson’s influence on the modern dog training landscape is profound. As the founder of the Academy for Dog Trainers, she has been instrumental in shaping a generation of professional trainers dedicated to evidence-based practices. Her groundbreaking book, Culture Clash, was recognized as the number one training and behavior book by The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, cementing her status as a thought leader. Her Dog Training 101 course for The Great Courses further extended her reach, making scientific training principles accessible to a broader audience. The updated edition of Mine! is another testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing humane and effective dog behavior modification.

Broader Implications for Dog Welfare and Society

The work encapsulated in Mine! and discussed on The Pawsitive Post in Conversation has far-reaching implications for dog welfare and public safety. Resource guarding is a common behavioral issue that can significantly strain the human-animal bond, leading to frustration, fear, and, in severe cases, relinquishment of dogs to shelters. By providing clear, effective, and humane strategies, Donaldson’s work empowers owners to address these challenges proactively, fostering stronger, safer relationships with their pets. Reducing instances of resource guarding also contributes to a decrease in household dog bites, enhancing safety for family members, especially children.

The continuous effort to educate the public and debunk outdated myths is crucial. The prevalence of resource guarding, with studies suggesting that a notable percentage of dogs exhibit some form of the behavior, underscores the need for accessible, reliable information. Resources like Donaldson’s book and podcasts like The Pawsitive Post in Conversation play a vital role in disseminating modern, science-backed approaches, thereby improving the lives of countless dogs and their human families.

Upcoming Engagements and Resources

Listeners interested in delving deeper into Donaldson’s work can find Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs wherever books are sold. Further information about Jean Donaldson and the Academy for Dog Trainers is available on their website and social media channels. Zazie Todd also announced that Jean Donaldson would be returning for Bark! Fest 2026, the book festival for animal lovers, scheduled for September, promising another opportunity to learn from one of the field’s most respected voices.

In a concluding lighthearted moment, Donaldson recommended The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV by Dr. Helen Castor, a historical account that, ironically, involves a form of "resource guarding"—the struggle for the ultimate resource: the throne of England. This diverse recommendation reflects the breadth of intellectual curiosity that underpins her insightful approach to animal behavior. The conversation provided a comprehensive overview of resource guarding, underscoring its treatability and the importance of informed, humane intervention, solidifying Donaldson’s ongoing legacy in the world of dog training.