Can any one help? I'm getting a Labrador in May (8 weeks old) and I was going to get a front carrier so I could take my pup with me when I go out. Is this a good idea? How old should he be before I can leave him for 45mins without undue stress? Tanks you

Sorry, I don't know what a front carrier is I'm assuming this is for getting the puppy out a.s.a.p. for socialising?  It will be easier for people to stroke your puppy and for you to guage the puppy's response if it's not restrained in a carrier.  Have him in your arms and sit on benches in pedestrian precincts, outside supermarkets, shopping malls, in the railway station or in a bus shelter on a busy road.  It's good that you're thinking ahead about these things because the first most important part of responsible ownership is early and ongoing socialisation :)
Re how old before you can leave him, best to start getting him used to mini-periods alone a.s.a.p.  If he's used to being in the kitchen for say 2 minutes on his own while you carry something through to another room there's no reason you can't start on day 1.  Leave him occupied with a toy everytime you go to the loo for a few minutes.  Doing small things like that little and often and gradually building up the time will mean he won't suffer from undue stress.  Ultimately the speed this happens depends on how consistently you put the effort in and his individual ability to accept short periods in his own company.  Good luck Teri :) 

I have a "Pooch Pouch" for puglet, as she finds walking on hard surfaces difficult at times, but hate to mmiss out on outings.  However,sh was a year old before she got it, so have not experience of usingn them for pups.  To be honest, I thinkTeris advise is porbably best, as a wriggly excited puppy strapped to your chest culd be difficult, alternativley  a shy puppy could use it as a retreat from experiencing the outside world.
bye
Gwen

You say in your other post that you intend using it up to 13 weeks and beyond - do you realise he'll be about 28lb in weight then, and will no doubt be a wriggler who wants to gnaw your nose? Unless you're a body-builder I think you may have difficulties!
:)

:D @ JG  -  Got a mental picture, and eyes are running :D

Teri