Afraid of Other Dogs

Your dog doesn't lack courage, he's just shy. At 5 months, he needs to be going everywhere with you and you need to introduce him to other dogs to socialize him. Go slowly. Do you have any friends with dogs? Perhaps you could arrange for your dog to meet their dog.

Also--watch your body language and thoughts when you are out walking and see another dog. Don't tense up. Its amazing how dogs can "read our minds" and feel the energy we give out. Peppermints are a good way for you to mask your nervous energy (dogs "smell fear", remember?).

You're lucky, your dog will be the biggest guy out there when he is full grown. Its good that he's not aggressive. I would vote for shy over aggression anytime. Keep working on it.