Marley wasn't a puppy when I got her. We think she may have been 5 or 6 yrs. old. She had been abandoned on a highway in Kentucky and a truck driver found her and took her to a shelter. We don't know how long she'd lived on her own, but certainly had a mind of her own. Twice she had been adopted by young males who went off to work and when they got home, their places were a wreck. She absolutely was frightened out of her wits. One of the guys beat her with his hat, so she did not like men and especially those who wore caps or hats. It has taken me 2 years to literally employ psychology with her and she just loves everyone now. Believe me Bess, the time and effort was worth it. You'd adore this dog and she's as loving and loyal as can be.