Need info on Shephard

Question
Our neighbors rescued two 14mo old German Shephards full blooded males last week.  One of them is obviously a very alpha male.  The other is very submissive to the alpha male.  Since the neighbors are looking for good homes, and we have had a shephard in our family before he became ill and died four years ago, our neighbors are tring to get us to take one of these dogs.  However, unfortunately neither of the dogs even know their name.  It appears that they were not abused, but may have just more neglected - left together in the back yard with little human contact and no training whatsoever.  Anyway, does anyone know if it is too late to train these dogs to be good family dogs?  We went to visit today and the less aggressive one was very skidish - almost fearful of our touch.  They are beautiful dogs and need homes, but we have a child that we also need to make sure is safe around them. We are considering taking the non-alpha dog - because we want a less aggressive animal. Is this correct thinking - or should we start fresh with a new puppy that we can train?  Most importantly, can a 14 mo old Shepherd as described still learn to be a loving family dog?

Answer
Shepherds are slow to bond to new people.  Even after he accepts your family, he may still be slow to accept strangers.  He will need the reassurance of good leadership.  I think he will be OK for you, but it will take a little time.  

With somebody the right age in the family, 4-H dog training is a great idea. In my area, clubs form soon after the first of the year. Even many urban areas have 4-H. For info look in your phone book under government listings for extension or cooperative extension offices. Ask specifically about a dog or canine club. The dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm