Shepard Training

Question
I recently bought a pure bred German Shepard dog, I wanted one for the purpose of being a guard dog.He is 4 months old and we are trying to keep him in the house. He stays in the house but my question is how do we train him to be a guard dog the proper way?  Do we a) hide him away from everyone that comes around for the first 2 months he is with us or b) Do we keep him in the house only or c)Is there any commands that we should be teacing him now, and if so how do we do that?  I also would like to know how to train him? Tips on how to keep him healthy,the right kind of foods and his shots ? Should we tie him up? or not? I need help?  Thank you for you time.....

Clinton

Answer
The best thing is to socialize him normally.  Protect him from strangers when young, and he could turn into a fear biter.  You want him to be comfortable around strangers.  He will still let you know somebody is around.  He will also let them know he is around.  Some undesirables may decide not to be around anymore.  Training a dog to actually attack somebody is a very specialized area, and easy to make a mess of.  I have no experience there.

You may tie him outside for short periods to relieve himself, but don't leave him very long, or while you are away.  

Proper feeding is very easy.  Go ahead and start working in adult chow as you get low in a puppy chow if that is what you are feeding now.  An early switch to adult chow slows growth, and allows stronger joints more time to develop.  Feeding a dog used to be a black art.  Today almost all commercial chows are tested and provide adequate nutrition.  Shepherds tend to be light eaters.  If you are having trouble keeping enough weight on to hide the ribs, one of the more expensive meat based chows maybe a good idea.  Don't be concerned if you can see his ribs a little.  

The best thing to do is standard obedience.    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 with
a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/

The best thing on shots is to work with a local veternarian.  Take any records you have for him and let the vet see them, and continue what he needs.  You may be able to skip flea control this year, but do a heart worm check, and kep him on medicine for it all year around unless you have severe winters.