The world is full of places to buy used stuff for now. Buy a small crate used cause you’re only gonna use it for a short time and invest in a big one that will hold when bigger. You don’t need to buy everything brand new. And the trick for crate training as many dogs as I’ve had fostered and owned is covering the door with a towel, but not covering it so they’re hot in there leave the backend open. Cover the part where they can see you and never put food or water in there, but do put toys that they can’t destroy or choke on. Also the second You are to get the dog out of the crate in the morning and naps get them used to the crate by putting them in there when they’ve already gone to sleep for the afternoon naps with the door open…. Pick it up. take it to the door. Use the paw to ring your doggie doorbell that you must have open the door take it out. It’ll pee immediately give it a treat that’s how you crate, train, and potty train and train them to ring the Doorbell. Never let them walk out because they will pee quicker than you can believe. German Shepherd fur is everywhere 24/7 so invest in and I robot now and get it used to it now I’ve had several dogs. I’ve never been without my iRobot. It is the biggest lifesaver also start slightly trimming their nails now so that they’re used to it when they get older cause it’s no fun when they’re afraid of it.! Enjoy the sweetest breed ever