Positive reinforcement has always worked well for us. We try to replace the bad associations with good ones, by interrupting the pattern. And it does not always work. For example, if a dog is animal-aggressive, there is very little you will be able to do about it. Oh, some people have experienced success, but my question to you would be "Do you want to chance injuring another animal and yourself?"
Read as much as you can, talk with the experts, and try new a new approach. It is the best advice I can share.