I've read on-line that aversion training was punitive.  The aversion training about which I speak was taught to me more like diversion training.  The main idea of this training method is to distract your dog from a situation which could trigger an aggressive response.  In one obedience class, the trainers would watch and when I approached a dog who we knew would trigger an aggressive response by my dog, then they would take two empty 7-up bottles and smash them together.  This drew the attention of my dog away from the other dog.  This way he would learn that this dog could be in his space without consequence.  This didn't work as well for my dog as other training did.

The class I actually took which taught the aversion training I'm speaking about was very different.  The first thing we did was to walk the dogs around on-lead, in order for the instructor to find out what problems she was dealing with.  Then the dogs were muzzles and let off lead.  They found out very quickly that their teeth were no longer effective.  Then we took muzzles off and walked with the dogs.  We used a treat and a watch me command to draw attention away from the approaching dog.  When we passed the other dog without signs of aggression, the dog got the treat.  This is practiced over and over until the dog eventually will not pay attention to anyone passing on the street.  In the case of a dog being aggressive in the home, this same method can be used.  It is very effective to muzzle the dog so that it learns as mentioned above that the teeth are ineffective.  It is also effective to leave a leash dragging from the dog.  You would be very surprised how quickly your dog's attitude will change once the leash is on and is dragging loosely on the floor.  I'm sure that this method will not work for every dog without professional intervention, but if you try this it could help you avoid having to take more drastic steps.   

 

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