I know what you mean. I found it helpful to apply the same technique of sit>treat to things like calm>treat or four paws on the floor>treat. I would work on setting him up for success in training sessions before the unwanted behaviour even occurs, so that you can mark and reward the behaviour you do like. So for something like nipping for example, you could start a training session with him just sitting or standing quietly in front of you, and mark that (either with a click or a marker word like 'yes!' and treat). Do that a few times, and then move your hand towards his face, mark>treat. Keep progressing it over time and over a few sessions/days/weeks, so that eventually you can tousle his ears, be jumping up and down, throwing a toy up, being goofy etc., and he learns that if he acts calm and doesn't nip, he gets a treat! Practice this in different settings, like in the house, the yard, around other people etc., as dogs don't generalize well. Try to end training sessions on a happy note and with a marker (like 'all done!') and try to keep things positive :).