Dog interation with dogs

Question
Recently brought home a one year old female from the pound. It is important that my pup gets along with other dogs. All my family members have dogs and we socialize often. The other day I passed a dog park and stood outside the fence wondering if I should go in. The longer I waited the more excited my dog became to the point of displaying agression. What is the best way to introduce my dog to other dogs?

Answer
Socialization (in the true sense of the word) occurs prior to approximately 14 weeks of age (give or take).  After that, it's rehabilitation, counter conditioning, positive reinforcement training, etc.

Standing outside the fence for a long time was not a good idea.  You don't really *know* that your dog was "displaying aggression" because you may have misinterpreted the body language (quite common and not your fault.)  An over excited dog can present in many ways: barking, even mouth watering, lunging, hackles raised, etc.  This does not mean aggression.

You can't take this dog into a dog park right now.  You and she have not sufficiently bonded and you know little or nothing about her past, including training (if any at all, and what quality). In NJ there are many credentialed trainers who belong to national organizations (not just dues paying, check credentials). Some of these must have training venues.  Start with your veterinarian, ask if s/he knows of any such places. Then go and WATCH and LISTEN.  ONLY positive reinforcement should be used, no exceptions.  Best to go into a novice obedience class and observe a few before deciding if it's for you.  In a situation with an educated, experienced positive reinforcement trainer, your dog will be assessed as she learns to "work" for reward and praise and you'll have a much better idea of who she is and how she interacts with other dogs.

Not all dogs are a candidate for a dog park.  I personally don't like them much because so many dogs acquire problem behaviors due to the dogs of other owners who have little or no control or care less.  Start with a supervised, structured environment and then go from there.