[LMH123]

Many of you may have read my previous post about my adopted Rott/German Shephard Percy. Percy is doing well and is acclimating, I am still looking for a good trainer and surprisingly most that I call do not even return my call! (Anyone know of any good trainers in the Newark, NJ area???)

Anyway, Percy has shown less and less aggression and we make sure if he has anything of high value we either let him be or will coax him away with a treat. While he sometimes growls he seems to be learning what is bad behavior. He is a work in progress, most importantly I will never give up on him!

One of his biggest problems is when there are guests or visitors, his excitement turns to jumping up and sometimes slight nipping. We know he is being playful but not everyone wants a 80 pound dog to nip at their hands, so although we loudly declare NO and sometimes have to confine him, I'd like to learn how to combat this. It seems he only does it when a) there are visitors or b) when he is with someone, and someone else from the house comes into the room. He will also try to get pillows, papers anything to rile us up and make him chase him or correct him.

Is this normal? Why is he "showing off" when new people come by acting up. When he is only with one of the owners he is very good and well behaved. Again, still waiting on trainers so any pre-emptive advice is more than welcome.

Thanks in advance!