Expert Jean Donaldson Unpacks Resource Guarding in Dogs with New Edition of ‘Mine!’ on The Pawsitive Post in Conversation Podcast

Renowned dog trainer and behavior expert Jean Donaldson recently joined hosts Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson on episode 60 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation podcast to discuss the highly anticipated second edition of her seminal book, Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs. The episode, available across major podcast platforms and YouTube, delves into the complexities of resource guarding—a common behavioral challenge where dogs protect food, objects, locations, or even people—and offers actionable, humane strategies for resolution. Donaldson’s appearance underscored the enduring relevance of her work in the field of canine behavior, particularly as the updated edition of Mine! provides refined protocols based on decades of accumulated expertise.

Jean Donaldson: A Pillar in Canine Behavior Science

Jean Donaldson stands as one of the most influential figures in modern dog training. As the founder of the esteemed Academy for Dog Trainers, often dubbed "the Harvard for dog trainers," she has shaped the careers and philosophies of countless professionals worldwide. Her earlier work, The Culture Clash, published in 1996, revolutionized the understanding of dog behavior, advocating for force-free, science-based training methods long before they became mainstream. The book was recognized as the number one training and behavior book by The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, solidifying Donaldson’s reputation as a trailblazer. In 2017, she further expanded her educational reach by authoring and instructing Dog Training 101 for The Great Courses, making advanced behavioral insights accessible to a broader public. Her return to the topic of resource guarding with a revised edition of Mine! is thus a significant event for both professional trainers and dog guardians grappling with this challenging behavior.

The Evolution of Mine!: Refining Decades of Practical Application

The decision to publish a second edition of Mine!, nearly 25 years after its initial release, was driven by Donaldson’s extensive experience with thousands of additional cases and the continuous refinement of effective intervention strategies. During the podcast, Donaldson candidly described the revision process as "painful" but necessary, highlighting the substantial evolution in her understanding and approach to resource guarding. The first edition, she explained, was deliberately comprehensive, featuring "every conceivable incremental step" to ensure safety for owners attempting do-it-yourself training without direct professional supervision. This cautious approach was vital during a time when positive reinforcement methods were less widespread and the risks of misapplication were higher.

Over the subsequent two decades, Donaldson, along with her Academy graduates, amassed a vast repository of case studies and practical insights. This wealth of data allowed for a more nuanced understanding of which steps were universally essential and which were superfluous for the majority of dogs. The second edition, therefore, aims to be more efficient, offering streamlined plans that allow guardians to "go a la carte a little bit more" rather than rigidly adhering to every single incremental step. Donaldson emphasized that while the book still includes slower, more incremental plans for particularly challenging cases, the standard plans are now more direct. She advised readers to start with the standard plan and refer to the more detailed, additional steps only if they encounter specific sticking points, ensuring they are technically executing the procedures correctly. This updated methodology reflects a matured understanding of canine learning and behavior modification, optimizing for both efficacy and user-friendliness.

Demystifying Resource Guarding: Beyond Dominance and Spoiling

A central theme of Donaldson’s work, and a focal point of the podcast discussion, is the debunking of pervasive myths surrounding resource guarding. Historically, and even in some contemporary circles, resource guarding has been misattributed to "dominance aggression" or perceived as a sign of a "bad" or "spoiled" dog. Donaldson vehemently challenges these outdated notions, asserting that resource guarding is not a pathology but a normal, vestigial animal behavior.

She explains that in wild canid populations, guarding valuable resources like food or territory is a critical survival mechanism. The variability in its expression among domestic dogs is largely due to domestication, where strong natural selection pressures for this trait have diminished. Consequently, it can manifest in diverse ways, sometimes directed at seemingly arbitrary items like tennis balls. Attributing it to a dog’s desire to "dominate" its owner or "take over the household" is an oversimplification that often leads to counterproductive and potentially harmful training approaches.

Donaldson also refutes the idea that "spoiling" a dog causes resource guarding. She suggests that "spoiling" often translates to owners meeting their dog’s needs and being kind, rather than dictatorial. Resource guarding, she observes, typically emerges at a certain age, almost "like clockwork," irrespective of the owner’s indulgence, suggesting a strong innate component rather than an induced behavior. The high modifiability of resource guarding through positive reinforcement, often with simple interventions like trading for high-value treats, further undermines the "immutable character flaw" narrative. If a behavior can be readily altered with a few pieces of chicken, it fundamentally shifts the perception from an inherent defect to a learned or instinctual response that can be managed and modified.

Understanding Resource Guarding Behaviors and "Spicy Guarders"

Resource guarding manifests in various forms, encompassing food, objects, locations (like a favorite couch or bed), and even people. The podcast hosts shared personal anecdotes illustrating these diverse expressions. Zazie Todd recounted her Shih Tzu, Pepper, growling and following her husband after his food bowl was placed, a behavior quickly resolved through proper intervention. Kristi Benson described her dog, Archer, guarding "super gross" bones and locations like the bed, requiring a cookie prompt to move him. These examples underscore the wide spectrum of resource guarding behaviors that pet owners encounter.

Donaldson and the hosts also touched upon the phenomenon of "spicy guarders"—dogs who exhibit strong, sometimes humorous, guarding tendencies. Donaldson fondly recalled Buffy, a Chow Chow who, despite being a "reject" from shelter tests for guarding "every single thing from every single living, breathing thing," became her "favorite guarder." Buffy’s behavior, which included deliberately placing toys in front of other dogs "just for sport," highlights the individual personalities and sometimes playful, albeit challenging, nature of these dogs. Many dog trainers, including Donaldson and Benson, find these cases "interesting" and "trainable," viewing them not as insurmountable problems but as opportunities for skilled behavior modification. This perspective stands in contrast to the anxiety and frustration often experienced by owners, illustrating the value of professional insight.

The Critical Role of "Warmup" in Training

A particularly insightful point raised during the conversation was the concept of "warmup" in training, a detail Kristi Benson humorously noted she once lost a point on in an Academy assignment. Donaldson clarified that "warmup" refers to whether a dog can perform a desired behavior "cold"—that is, immediately and reliably without prior repetitions or "getting into the mood" for training.

For resource guarding, the ability to perform "cold" is paramount. In real-life scenarios, an owner needs the dog not to guard the first time they approach a food bowl or a guarded location, not after a few minutes of "training session" cues. This distinction is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Donaldson explained that some behaviors, like a down-stay, might not require "cold" performance, but behaviors related to safety, such as not jumping up on guests or not guarding a resource, absolutely do. Training must therefore be geared towards achieving consistent, immediate responses in varied, unpredictable real-world contexts, ensuring the dog’s appropriate behavior regardless of whether an obvious "training session" is underway.

Comorbidities and Holistic Approaches to Behavior

The discussion also touched upon potential "comorbidities" or co-occurring issues frequently observed in resource-guarding dogs. Donaldson identified food and object guarding as two often-linked behaviors; if one is present, checking for the other is prudent. She also noted a potential, though less definitively proven, link between resource guarding and body handling sensitivities. Affectionately termed "Don’t touch me, don’t touch my stuff" dogs within the Academy, these individuals might exhibit a general aversion to physical intrusion, whether it’s an owner trying to touch them in certain ways or remove an item. While the exact causal link or prevalence remains an area for further research, recognizing this potential overlap encourages a more holistic approach to assessing and addressing a dog’s overall comfort levels and behavioral responses.

Resource Guarding Among Dogs: A Different Perspective

While intervention is strongly recommended for resource guarding directed at humans, Donaldson offers a nuanced perspective on inter-dog resource guarding. She advises that if dogs are guarding against each other without inflicting injuries or causing one dog to become genuinely fearful, the "first line of defense is to do nothing." Dogs, she explained, are generally adept at navigating resource conflicts among themselves, often reading each other’s cues effectively and "minding each other’s stuff" with less emotional "freak out factor" than humans. Intervention becomes necessary only if physical harm is occurring or if the behavior is causing significant stress and fear in one of the dogs. This approach underscores the importance of understanding species-specific communication and avoiding unnecessary human interference in natural canine social dynamics.

When to Seek Professional Guidance: A Call for Competence

A critical takeaway from the podcast was Donaldson’s emphatic advice on seeking professional help. While Mine! provides comprehensive, step-by-step guides, any instance where a dog exhibits aggression—growling, snarling, snapping, or biting—warrants immediate consultation with a competent, humane dog trainer. Donaldson warned about the "jungle out there" in the dog training industry, where a vast disparity exists in trainers’ competence and ethical methodologies. She urged prospective clients to be "smart shoppers," recommending resources like the Academy for Dog Trainers’ site or the Pet Professional Guild for finding qualified, force-free professionals. The risk of hiring an incompetent trainer, she cautioned, is not merely ineffectiveness but potentially making the problem "worse," emphasizing the profound responsibility involved in addressing behavioral issues that impact safety and welfare.

The Broader Impact and Future Outlook

The second edition of Mine! and Jean Donaldson’s continued advocacy for evidence-based, humane training methods carry significant implications for the broader pet-owning community and the dog training profession. By providing clear, actionable strategies and dispelling harmful myths, her work empowers owners to address resource guarding effectively, fostering stronger, safer human-animal bonds. Reduced instances of problematic guarding can lead to fewer relinquishments, improved household harmony, and enhanced welfare for dogs.

The Pawsitive Post in Conversation podcast serves as an invaluable platform for disseminating these crucial insights, bringing expert knowledge directly to listeners. The announcement of Bark! Fest 2026, an upcoming book festival for animal lovers where Jean Donaldson is slated to speak again, further highlights the ongoing commitment to educating the public on responsible pet care and behavior. Donaldson’s enduring legacy is built on a foundation of scientific rigor, practical wisdom, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of dogs and their human companions, making Mine! a vital resource for anyone navigating the complexities of canine resource guarding.