Hi Sherri,
Oh what fun a new puppy can be. It is not too late to crate train him. My border collie just loved his. I have always feed my dogs once in the morning and once at dinner time. I've had an outdoor shephard that we left food out all day for him along with his water. It's a good idea to limit water in the evenings until you get him house trained, then you can leave water out for him with it being fresh water daily. It's also a good idea to clean the bowls every day, especially the water bowl as they get slimey. Housebreaking entails just taking them out like every hour until housebroken. They also do better with praise praise and more praise when they do well. Having toys for him are also good to know that it's ok to play with them and not socks and other things. I like the large cowhide bones that look like bones. They come in different sizes so as he grows get the next larger size until he becomes an adult dog.
I would get some books from the library about the two different breeds so that you can learn which way his traits are coming from. I would also ask your veterinary what he recommends for your questions.
Pam M