Hello, we recently adopted a Lhasa Apso, around five years old and although he seems to have settled in well and accepted myself (female) and my daughter, he growls and backs off or barks at my son. His previous home consisted of an older couple with visiting daughter/ son in law and child, so it isnt as if he is only used to women. My son does tend to wear a base ball cap for most of the time and comes home from work smelling of oil but even when he is dressed "normally" without base ball cap and smelling clean, the dog behaves the same.

Any suggestions what he could do to help the dog accept him as in around six weeks, my daughter and I are due to go away for a few days while my son looks after the dog at home. He has tried to give the dog treats which we know he likes because he has taken them from myself and daughter. Will it help if son ignores dog and lets the dog come to him in his own time? What are the chances of the dog never accepting him? Please help!

I think before you go away your son should be the only one that feeds the dog.  I bet one thing you have done without realising is when he growls and barks etc you say 'no, good dog' etc. Telling him he is being a good dog to do it.

Your son should on the whole ignore him and let him gradually come to him. As I said he and only your son should feed him. He needs to be playful and 'come on --- dinner' and lots of praise then he lets him out and back in.

Hopefully he will gradually get confidence in him