Personally, I do use the water squirter method when needed.. However, I incorporated this little trick...
When I hold the bottle out to squirt, I make sure my fist is wrapped around the handle (this is a visual cue) and
BEFORE I deliver that cold stream of water in Dillin's direction, I say out loud "SQUIRT, SQUIRT" then let loose with the water.
Now, I just have to hold up my fist (minus the water bottle) and say squirt squirt if he's playing too rough, or not minding my commands like i want him to. He knows.. it's an associative training method, much like clicker training.
try it, who knows, it can't hurt either you or your dog...and it just might work for you...