1) I have yet to meet a Rott that won't present a bum to be scratched! To my dog's it is sort of like "you missed THIS spot!"
2) I might be wrong here but I would say he does reconize you. Gets excited and vocal... + the fact your Mom talks to him....= a hello responce to me.
3) Talking dogs HMmmm... Rotts will grumble, yowl, sigh, humph, and alot of other types of noises. so as to being normal... for some dogs yes - depends on the dog and if the trainer will allow it.
4) Guarding? no. Wants to know what is ggoing on outside the fence- Yes.
5) Flat out tell MOM to knock it off. Then ask her if she really wants a 110 pound dog jumping on her and biting at her hands. Second each and every time he does it to you stop playing- tell him No in the meanest growly voice you have and then ignore him. Personaly I can't stand mouthing.
6) yes the misbehavoir will pass...8-10 years from now
Sounds like your little guy is doing just fine and is a great pup... enjoy. but as to the stages... he is probly starting the 1 year old rebelling. then comes the 2 year old rebelling. Then comes the 3 year old rebelling.
