Thanks everybody for your replies. I don't know her situation before coming to the pound. She does seem very fearful when she is reprimanded. A couple times I pointed a finger at her while saying no and she just ducked to the floor as if expecting to be hit so I try to keep from raising my hands in any way when speaking sternly. She never shy's away from hands when we are petting or anything... just when we are saying no about something. I have notices she never seems to do the growling when with my boyfriend... mostly with me... and mostly only when there are males involved. So it may be a matter of protection or her not feeling as safe with me? SHe is a real sweety though and I will try to get a picture to post. She is very good with other dogs so that isn't a problem. I guess she came in with a friend and the sent him to another shelter... poor thing. So she is scared and lonely but seems very happy here other than the occasional fear. So do you recommend that we don't go out of our way to socialize her now... taking her out to parks.. etc. ? I don't want to let it get to be too much a way of life for her... but I can see where she may just need some time. THanks so much for all your help.