Introducing dog number three

Question
Our first dog Boo is a Lab x Kelpie (2 Years), our second dog Shadow is a Staffy x Lab (1Year), we recently purchased a third dog, (Lola is a staffy 7 Months) when introducing her our oldest dog Boo accepted her right away but Shadow is very scared of the new puppy and doesn't want to be anywhere near her. Is she just threatened? And will she eventually get used to the new puppy?

Answer
Hi Kristy,  How long haved you had the new puppy?  What you have to deal with now is what we call a pack situation.  You will be facing this as the puppy gets older.  Shadow is probably fearful of the new puppy as the puppy is getting old enough to start challenging Shadow for her position in the pack.  Boo is obviously the leader due to age, and Shadow would be second, but with the emergence of a another dog to challenge her for that position, it can make her fearful of that dog.  Especially if she is not a dominant dog.  Lola will naturally want to challenge for the lead position in the pack around a year of age or so, and you will start to see problems arise between the dogs that unfortunately they have to work out.  Right now though Shadow is just worried about her position.  Give her lots of attention and let her know that you still care about her as much as you did before.  Also give her time to establish her place.  If she is submissive, then she'll probably let Lola take her spot begrudginly.  Hope this helps, and if you have anymore questions, just let me know.

Dawn