Well, I never used a shovell but I have a Jack Russell that has been thrown up against the wall before to get his attention. He’s about 4 YO now and have not seen a flare up in over a year. Mind you, he has never been aggresive to people, just other dogs in the pecking order.
You're a real dog whisperer
The family IS in his pecking order - you are leader of his pack as long as you are able to maintain an alpha male status. However, if you falter, even slightly or unwittingly by some unintended gesture or injury - the dog is constantly looking to raise his status in your pack. Your little boys, if you have any, are his competition - and when he chances awareness of the beginnings of maturing hormonal smells of which you are unaware - or declining hormonal smells - any dog can snap and act on his real inclinations. Pit bulls are the worst. Common sense should tell people that. As for dogs, they are not in your family, YOU are in THEIR pack.