Different people have different views and methods of training, I use the "pack" method which includes communicating with them in their language (you can learn by watching anything on wolves)
I have a doggie daycare and have just successfully dealt with a similar issue. I don't yell at them, throw anything, use water guns, newspaper or spank... I do however growl or bark and in a severe case use my fingers to "nip" at them or "pin them" (no rougher than another dog their same size).
After watching her mom drop her off and pick her up a few times (watching the interaction), I wrote up a "prescription of action" and it mainly came down to... stop doting so much, you need to say no and learn to the alpha growl/bark.
They may be surprised and try to rebell but you need to be firm to establish the "pecking order"... he'll respect and love you for it (it may even save his life if he's faced with a larger alpha with a short temper).
Once he's learned he's not the boss... you can spoil the heck out of him again
- My client is extremely happy and the whole family has noticed how much nicer their furbaby has become.
Alana