5 month old untrained gsd

Question
What advice would you have for a buyer looking at a 5 month old shepherd with zero training. Not even the basics. My concern is that this dog, who is let out of the kennel at the breeders to run around with the other dogs will be out of control.

Answer
Much of it depends on the dog itself, its breeding, and early socialization.  Although I am a strong advocate of early training, the day I pick up a 7 week old, many people are quite successful with delaying until the dog is that old.  I was once given a 15 month old Lab with no training, and had him doing very well in 2 weeks.  

Perhaps apply some of the advice for choosing a shelter dog.  Look for a dog that wants your attention, but is not going wild. Pinch the web between its toes. It hurts. It is OK for the dog to pull away or whine, but it shouldn't growl, snap or show its teeth.  Take it for a walk.  Shepherds often are naturally suspicious of strangers.  It is OK if it isn't real friendly to you, but shouldn't show either fear or aggression.  It should accept any strangers or traffic you encounter.  Frankly, unless the breeder has worked extensively with the dog, it may only be fit to live in a kennel all of its life.  Ask about socialization.  If the breeder talks about its experience with other dogs, they are either ignorant of the importance of a dog learning to live in a human world or coverignup their neglect.  Spend as much time with the parents as you can. Nice parents don't guarantee nice puppies, but don't chance bad parents. Of course ask about hip and eye certification or other genetic problems common to Shepherds.  Is bloat common in their lines?

You will not find a perfect dog.  Don't let my questions steer you to a dog that may be worse.  At least a 5 month old shouldn't breakyour heart by dieing of parvo within a month.