How early experiences shape your puppy’s confidence, calmness, and lifelong wellbeing. The first weeks of a puppy’s life are not just adorable — they are foundational. Between 8 and 12 weeks , your puppy’s brain is developing at extraordinary speed, absorbing experiences that will shape who they become as an adult dog. This window is often called the critical socialisation period , but it goes deeper than that.It ’s not only about exposure — it’s about emotional imprinting .