First impressions matter: why early experiences shape lifelong behaviour

One of the biggest gifts you can give your new puppy is great first experiences. Those early weeks are the most sensitive period of your pup’s development—their brain is like soft clay, rapidly wiring itself in response to everything they see, hear, smell and feel.

The way your puppy encounters new people, animals, environments and situations during this formative time will shape how they see the world for years to come. Do they step forward with curiosity… or shrink back with fear? Do they greet new dogs with confidence… or bark defensively?

Early experiences matter far more than most people realise.

Why first experiences hold so much power

A puppy’s first reaction to something new sets the emotional “default” for that stimulus.

• Positive early experiences create confidence, curiosity, and sociability. Pups learn, “The world is safe. New things are good.”
• Poor early experiences create fear, anxiety, reactivity, or even aggressive behaviour later on. One bad fright in these early months can echo into adulthood if not handled well.
• Neutral exposure still teaches valuable resilience—showing that not everything is exciting or scary.
  

This early conditioning doesn’t just affect the specific event—it influences how your pup handles novelty in general. Confident puppies are far more adaptable as adults (called emotional resilience).

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Have you heard of the 5× negativity bias?

Here’s where it gets fascinating—and deeply important for puppy parents.

Humans and dogs both share what’s known as the 5× negativity bias. Essentially:

It takes five good experiences to outweigh one bad experience.

The brain is biologically wired to prioritise potential threats first—a survival mechanism left over from evolution. That means negative moments leave a bigger, deeper imprint on the nervous system than positive ones.

You’ll know this from your own life:
…One harsh comment sticks more than five compliments.
…One difficult customer review weighs heavier than a dozen glowing ones.

The same is true for your puppy.

When a pup has a scary or painful experience, their sympathetic nervous system kicks in—the “fight/flight” response. This amplifies the emotional imprint, making it more likely they’ll be reactive or fearful next time.

What this means for puppy training

Because one fright can outweigh several good experiences, we need to be thoughtful and proactive in those crucial 0–6 months.

Ideally, avoid big frights as you introduce your puppy to the world. However if your puppy does get a fright, address it by providing FIVE positive experiences to rebalance it (ideally using a clicker and food to aid the desensitisation process). 

Some examples:

• A big dog bowls your pup over → Make five planned, gentle interactions with calm big dogs.
• The pram wheel accidentally bumps them → Do five sessions rewarding your pup calmly around the pram.
• A vet visit doesn’t go well → Drop by five more times purely for treats, cuddles and praise.
  

Front-footing potential fears is even better by calmly and safely introducing your pup to everyday “potential threats”—bikes, scooters, kids running, crates, car rides, vets, grooming equipment, and more—so they build lasting emotional resilience. Use a clicker and treats to make it positive and aid in the desensitisation process!

And remember, personality plays a role. Some puppies are naturally robust; others are more sensitive (breed dispositions can play into this). But generally the five-positives-to-one-negative rule is a reliable guide for every pup.

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Why the first months are also the riskiest

Here’s another thing many new puppy parents often don’t realise - the 0-6 month period may be when your pup is most accident prone!

Puppies are curious, impulsive, still figuring out their bodies, and often unaware of danger. They’re learning boundaries, coordination, and what is—or isn’t—safe. Their bones are delicate, their immune systems developing, and their decision-making… well, still a work in progress!

This is where good socialisation and careful management go hand-in-hand with another essential safety net: pet insurance.

Why insurance matters from day 1

Even with careful training, accidents can and do happen (I’ve seen way too many from my puppy school members). You simply can’t control every variable—and during the early months your pup is especially vulnerable.

That’s why I always recommend having insurance from the minute your puppy arrives home. I personally choose Southern Cross Pet Insurance, and recommend you check out their  FreeCover option - puppies and kittens 6–26 weeks old get 6 weeks of free cover for unexpected vet bills.

This protects you during that exact window where pups are most fragile, and gives you some breathing room while you settle on your long-term insurance plan. 

It’s honestly a no-brainer and it takes only two minutes to apply. While you focus on training, bonding, and positive early experiences, you’ve got the reassurance that you’re covered for the unexpected. Check out 6 weeks FreeCover here. 

Setting your puppy up for a confident life

By understanding how powerful those early experiences are, you can help your pup grow into a relaxed, confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

• Prioritise positive first impressions
• Gently desensitise your pup to everyday life
• Act quickly if something frightens them
• Always aim for five good experiences after any negative one
• Support their safety with reliable insurance during the most vulnerable months
  

Your puppy is learning about the world every single day. With the right support, they’ll learn that it’s a wonderful place.

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This content is created in partnership with Southern Cross Pet Insurance.

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