My puppy is only 2 months old and Im leaving on ...

If you are training your dog and don't want to lose the achievements you got to so far, there are some dog trainers who also provide Dogsitting services. I guess that it is much more expensive than using your family kind services, but in that stage your dog main need is to keep on with the habits you are trying to teach him. If you don't completely count your family, spend the extra money and let a trainer watch him for you.

I would make sure that you tell the family member all the things that you do not allow your puppy to do.  It is very important for the things you've taught your puppy to be reinforced, even if it is by someone else for a couple weeks.  Also, maybe there are things that you've been trying to teach your dog that your family would find fun to continue teaching your puppy.  I think you can always teach more things when you return, but make sure that you leave set guidelines as to what you don't want your puppy doing.

good question. i have 3 dogs and the best way to make sure no bad habits come about is make a list of do's and don't's for your family member. it's nice to tell them that when you get back, you'll take them out for lunch or dinner sometime to thank them for being so great.

I am not familiar with this breed.  I assume this is a mixed breed that is Boxer and Labrador? 

My answer is don't write checks your butt can't cover.  if you are someone who goes on long vacations; why the heck did you get a dog?

I think you should think long and hard about the commitment you made.

Large dogs(especially Labradors) do well with children because they are patient.  But at 2 months, they are large puppies and can do large damage.  I would NOT leave my 2 month old puppy with someone unless it was permanent.  What will happen if your pup's play is a bit rough and misinterpretted as aggression.  I know of a standard poodle who, as a pup, destroyed a very expensive French Provential Sofa.  Big Puppies, play big.  There are not too many people who will have soft hearts and remember, "it's just a pup"!  

Okay, my opinion is that if you are gone a lot; I would find your puppy a new home.  He's still young and partially trained; if he were to go to a shelter, he'd be adopted to a home quickly.  And the Humane Shelters screen people very well before they can adopt.  And these are NO KILL shelters.  I have volunteered for several and the dogs are well cared for, loved, walked, fed, bathed and get their living quarters cleaned daily and have toys,fresh water and blankets at all times.  You will need to make a donation when you bring him in.   Sorry, but dogs are pack animals by nature, none of them like being alone or away from their family.  Quite often, they get depressed and won't eat.   it's not too late to reverse your decision to have a companion, better now, as a pup than later when it will be more traumatic for him.  Good luck. 

Set the ground rules. Make sure they follow them. Tell them of your concerns like you did in this blog. As far as being stressed out it's inevetable your taking him out of his comfort zone. Keep him going there to fimilarize him & he'll get used to it.

I would agree.  however 2 months old is only 8 weeks and they are just learning love and affection and how to go outside to potty.  Make sure the dog is crate trained and set up expectations in writing.  It also depends on how long you are going to be gone....get a puppy training book and review the education plan for this age group.  There are several simple good ones on the market.

Take him with you and stay at pet friendly motels. My cat has travelled from Phila. to Boston and back numerous times; Phila. to Cape Cod and back; to the
New Jersey Shore, just to name a few places. I wouldn't go anywhere if he couldn't go with me, and I haven't. That is just something people have had to get use to. Having an animal friend is as rewarding as it gets. But like any close friendships, it entails responsabilities; and one of them is to stick by him or her as you would have them to you. Never ask a close friend to do something for you that you wouldn't do for him or her (You can tyake a pass on food-types and the like. that's just a matter of taste . But I wouldn't leave a pet with anyone that I was not 100% confident would treat my friend as well if not better than I would. Change your vacation plans , and show your devotion to your friend,.

talk to youre family member that take good care of your dog or take your dog on your vacation