He probably still needs to eat 3 times a day, or I let mine graze with food and water available all the time. I'm not sure I'd take away his water at 9 PM; don't you get thirsty at night? He'll learn to "hold it" as soon as his body is ready; I'm sure he understands by now what you want him to do. He's smart since he's 1/2 GSD anyway. Toys need to be indestructible at this age---try Nylabones. Also, he is NOT too old to start with a crate; I've done it with adult dogs and they like their "bed" (as we call it) enough to go get in it by themselves sometimes when they are tired. You're on the right track with him; keep doing what you're doing and he'll be a great dog! BTW----you are letting him meet lots of strangers of all different kinds, right?