Jean Donaldson Unveils Second Edition of Influential Resource Guarding Guide "Mine!" in New Podcast Discussion

Renowned dog trainer Jean Donaldson, founder of the Academy for Dog Trainers and author of the seminal work "Culture Clash," has released a second edition of her highly regarded book, "Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs." The updated guide, which addresses a common yet often misunderstood canine behavior, was the central topic of discussion during her recent appearance on episode 60 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation podcast, hosted by Dr. Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson. This release marks a significant update to a text that has shaped the understanding and management of resource guarding for nearly a quarter-century, reflecting advancements in canine behavior science and extensive practical experience.

Understanding Resource Guarding: A Natural Instinct, Not a Character Flaw

Resource guarding is a behavior where a dog displays protective behaviors, such as growling, snarling, snapping, or biting, to prevent others from approaching or taking a valued item, location, or even a person. These resources can range from food bowls and toys to beds, favorite resting spots, or even the owner themselves. Historically, this behavior was often misconstrued as a sign of "dominance" or a dog attempting to "take over the household," leading to confrontational and often counterproductive training methods.

However, modern animal behavior science, championed by experts like Donaldson, emphasizes that resource guarding is a normal, albeit undesirable in a domestic setting, animal behavior. It is rooted in a dog’s natural instinct to protect valuable assets, a trait observed across many species, from wild canids to big cats. In the wild, successful resource guarding can be crucial for survival, ensuring access to food and safe territory. Domestication, however, has not entirely bred this instinct out of dogs. Donaldson explains that unlike lions or wolves, where strong selection pressure ensures 100% of individuals exhibit this behavior, its presence in dogs is more variable. "Nobody is selecting breeding stock on the basis of whether they resource guard or not," she notes, leading to its inconsistent manifestation, sometimes over "weird stuff like tennis balls."

The misconception that resource guarding indicates a "bad" dog or one that has been "spoiled" by its owner is a pervasive myth. Dr. Todd highlighted this point during the podcast, asking Donaldson to clarify these common misbeliefs. Donaldson firmly refutes the idea of "spoiling," suggesting that the term often "unpacks as somebody’s being kind to their dog," fulfilling their needs rather than being overly permissive. She argues that resource guarding often emerges at a predictable age, "kind of like clockwork, regardless of history," suggesting an innate predisposition rather than a behavior induced by owner indulgence.

The Evolution of a Seminal Guide: "Mine!" Second Edition

The first edition of "Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs" was initially published approximately 24-25 years ago. At the time, it offered a groundbreaking, humane, and effective approach to managing a challenging behavior that was often met with punitive or confrontational tactics. Its publication marked a significant step forward in the application of positive reinforcement and scientific principles to complex dog behavior issues.

Donaldson’s decision to release a second edition was driven by nearly a quarter-century of additional practical experience, refined methodologies, and an ongoing commitment to efficiency and safety in dog training. The original text, while comprehensive, featured "every conceivable sort of step" and "very incremental plans" to ensure that DIY users, potentially without direct trainer supervision, could proceed cautiously and avoid incidents. This cautious approach, while safe, could sometimes be less efficient for dogs requiring a more streamlined intervention.

The new edition, as Donaldson explains, refines these plans, making them more "efficient." She states that "the vast majority of dogs are going to need these steps, and only some will need these additional steps," allowing for a more tailored approach. This refinement comes from extensive case work and coaching Academy graduates through various resource guarding scenarios, identifying "what needs to be done and what actually is superfluous." The updated text also boasts a more "friendly" and "inviting" writing style, a revision Donaldson admits was a "painful" but ultimately rewarding process, moving away from a more formal, academic tone.

Key Takeaways from the Podcast: Practical Insights and Myth-Busting

The podcast discussion delved into several critical aspects of resource guarding and its management, offering valuable insights for both dog owners and professional trainers.

Choosing the Right Plan and the "Warm-up" Concept:
Donaldson advises owners to start with the "standard plan" in the book. If progress stalls, or the dog consistently struggles at specific points, then the more "incremental plans" can be introduced. A crucial element she highlights is the importance of "warm-up" in training. Kristi Benson recalled losing a point in an Academy assignment for not including a "warm-up" in a plan, underscoring its significance. Donaldson elaborates that for behaviors like resource guarding or jumping up, the goal is for the dog to perform correctly "cold"—meaning without prior repetitions or cues that signal a "training session" is underway. In real-life scenarios, a dog needs to not guard immediately, whether it’s the first approach to their food bowl or when someone nears their bed. Training must generalize to these "stone cold" situations, not just when the dog is "in the mood to train."

Comorbidities and "Don’t Touch Me, Don’t Touch My Stuff":
An interesting observation shared by Donaldson, and echoed by Kristi Benson regarding her dog Archer, is the potential for comorbidities—other behavioral issues that sometimes accompany resource guarding. The two most prominent are food guarding and object guarding, which often appear together. Additionally, Donaldson notes a possible link between resource guarding and "body handling" sensitivity. Dogs who are "a little bit prickly about resources can sometimes also be a little bit prickly about body handling," a phenomenon affectionately termed "Don’t touch me, don’t touch my stuff" within the Academy. While acknowledging this correlation might be an "artifact" of her observations, it serves as a valuable consideration for trainers assessing a dog’s overall behavioral profile.

The Trainer’s Perspective: "Spicy Guarders" and When to Intervene:
The hosts and Donaldson shared a lighthearted perspective on dogs with "spicy" personalities, particularly those who exhibit resource guarding. Kristi Benson described her dog Soleil, who guards items not even in her possession, but rather for another dog, creating a humorous dynamic. Donaldson fondly recalled Buffy, her own Chow Chow and the inspiration for the book’s cover art, who "guarded every single thing from every single living, breathing thing" as a puppy and later guarded for sport.

While acknowledging the entertainment value for some trainers, Donaldson makes a critical distinction regarding intervention. When resource guarding occurs between dogs and humans, or if it involves a dog inflicting injury or making another dog fearful, intervention is necessary. However, if dogs are guarding against each other without causing harm or significant distress, the "first line of defense is to do nothing." She emphasizes that dogs often "cope with it much better than we humans do," reading each other’s cues and respecting boundaries without human interference. This approach helps normalize natural canine communication while addressing behaviors that pose risks in human households.

Challenging Cases and the Path to Resolution:
Donaldson recounted a particularly challenging early case involving an Old English Sheepdog. The owner’s initial claim that "my dog guards everything" was met with skepticism, but proved to be true. This dog would guard any object within its vicinity, even disliked items, and had bitten the owner. For Donaldson, then relatively early in her career, this case required extensive "messing around" to navigate, but ultimately resolved successfully. This anecdote highlights that even severe cases of resource guarding can be modified with the right expertise and persistence, reinforcing the book’s core message of modifiability.

Another poignant example came from Dr. Zazie Todd, who shared her experience with her Shih Tzu, Pepper, who guarded his food when he first arrived. He followed her husband, growling, after his food bowl was placed down. This behavior, easily resolved, illustrated how a dog’s past experiences can lead to anticipatory guarding, even in a safe new environment where food would never be taken. Donaldson noted how guarding can "bleed out in time and bleeding out in space," citing cases where dogs would guard the kitchen half an hour before meal preparation, anticipating a potential threat.

The Crucial Role of Competent Professional Guidance

Given the potential for harm, especially in cases involving growling, snapping, or biting, Donaldson strongly advises seeking professional help. "Immediately get yourself into competent hands," she urges. However, she also cautions against the "jungle out there" of dog trainers, where competence and humane practices vary widely. She recommends careful selection, suggesting resources like the Academy for Dog Trainers’ website or the Pet Professional Guild, which advocate for force-free, science-based methods. The risk of hiring an unqualified trainer who might "make it worse" underscores the importance of being a "smart shopper." This advice is crucial for ensuring not only the dog’s welfare but also the safety and peace of mind of the human family.

Broader Impact and Implications for Animal Welfare

The release of "Mine!" second edition, coupled with discussions on platforms like The Pawsitive Post in Conversation, carries significant implications for dog welfare and the evolution of the dog training profession. Jean Donaldson’s enduring influence, stemming from "Culture Clash" being named the number one training and behavior book by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and her authorship of "Dog Training 101" for The Great Courses, positions her as a pivotal figure in advocating for humane, science-based training.

This updated guide contributes to the ongoing shift away from outdated, dominance-based training paradigms that often exacerbate behavioral problems and damage the human-animal bond. By providing clear, actionable plans rooted in positive reinforcement, "Mine!" empowers owners to address resource guarding effectively and safely. This, in turn, can reduce the number of dogs surrendered to shelters due to behavioral issues, fostering stronger, more harmonious relationships between dogs and their guardians.

The emphasis on understanding canine behavior from a scientific perspective—recognizing natural instincts rather than moralizing about them—is vital. It promotes empathy and realistic expectations for dog owners, enabling them to respond to challenges with knowledge and kindness. The detailed, step-by-step nature of Donaldson’s plans, whether standard or incremental, provides a framework for success, making complex behavioral modification accessible.

Looking Ahead: Bark! Fest 2026

For those eager to learn more from Jean Donaldson and other experts in the field, Dr. Zazie Todd announced exciting news: Jean Donaldson will be returning to Bark! Fest 2026, the book festival for animal lovers, scheduled for this September. This upcoming event promises another opportunity for dog enthusiasts and professionals to engage with leading voices in animal behavior, further cementing the importance of continuous learning and the dissemination of evidence-based practices. Information on Bark! Fest 2026 details will be released via the Companion Animal Psychology newsletter.

"Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs," second edition, published by Dogwise, is available wherever books are sold. Its continued relevance underscores the enduring challenge of resource guarding and the critical need for effective, humane solutions. By demystifying this common behavior and providing clear guidance, Jean Donaldson’s work remains an invaluable resource for creating safer, happier homes for dogs and their human companions.