What is the best way to find out if my dog gets along with other dogs? I know, odd question... Originally my husband and I were going to adopt a great dane or a large mixed breed. Five years ago we adopted an adorable boxer/German shepherd mix. Penny is wonderful. She is about 6 years old now. I often wonder if she would like a playmate but am also concerned about 'only child syndrome'.

When we adopted her we were told she got along well with other dogs. But, then again, they also told us she loved to get a bath! She absolutely hates baths. She seems to dislike, or perhaps loathe, my mother's dog, a female lab. She barks a great deal at dogs through the fence and out the window and sometimes on walks. But yet, there have been days at the vet where she seemed 'happily' curious about another dog. Unfortunately that always seems to happen just as the vet is ushering us down the hall.

I get the feeling that Penny thinks small dogs are right up there with squirrels.... probably edible. I have a feeling that she is a dominant female - which from what I read is sometimes likely with boxers. She also seems to have the family trait of a German shepherd - she loves her family that she sees everyday - my husband and me - and just sort of tolerates anybody else but is still happy to have them pet her. My husband is a writer and is typically home all day. I am gone most of the day and part of the evening each day (thank goodness grad school will be finished soon) and my husband tells me that while Penny does go in and outside a bit she mostly lays around all day waiting for me to come home - then livens up. She seems to do the same thing when I am at home and my husband is out. She seems so 'pack' oriented and is happiest when all are 'present and accounted for'. I wonder if she would be happier with a buddy to hang out with.

I did meet another woman who fosters dogs and offered to have us bring Penny to meet and greet with dogs there. I have even considered fostering a dog that she gets along with in the hopes that it would work out and I could adopt, but first I need to get a better idea of how she will be. The best idea I have come up with so far is a training class where she could 'mingle' on leash and more frequent trips to Petsmart. I'm concerned about a dog park because I don't feel comfortable taking her off a leash and I certainly don't want her starting a fight there.

Any suggestions would be great.