I bought a pup from another breeder and it is very shy. What should I do?

Mr. Frawley,

I purchased a 5 month old male GSD from a breeder in NY. I have had him for a month. Sire is an East German Sch3, mom is a Czech companion titled dog.

Problem:

This pup skits and bucks when other leashed dogs/puppies approach. He may or may not allow people to pet him as well. No aggression towards people, but he can become very timid and jumpy, or just stand and remain oblivious to people around him.

Always acts the same with other dogs. Stares as they approach, growls when they get closer, and tries to pull me with his leash down the block when they get right on top of him. I try getting his attention on to me and away from the dogs, but he locks onto them as they approach.

Breeder says he will "grow out of it," that he's still a puppy etc. I don't buy it. He actually seems to be more fearful and skittish than he was when we got him last month. I think he is what he is and will not "grow out of it."

(Bad previous experience with an American Show GSD, looks like I made another mistake.) I don't think attempting to train him to act confident is the answer. If he doesn't got it in him he will not got it in him.

Is this breeder correct, he'll "grow out of it," or is it "what I see is what I get." Think I know what you are going to say. (Smells like I need to bring this dog back.)

Thank you for your time
Joe