My family and I are interested in getting a female lab/collie puppy. We have never had a dog before and we want to know a few things. Number One: What should we do with our puppy on all-day trips (to non-dog-friendly places)? Number two: How should I keep my energetic dog content while my kids are at school? And finally, Number three: How do I stop my puppy from barking/chewing/scratching?

for the first depends on the length of trip, butr you will need to arrange a dog sitter to give meals and let pup out.

As for the other two Time, Supervision, Training training and tyet more
training.  In two years time you will then have a well trained family member to be produd of , but it is a long haul.

If you haven't had a dog before I would questuion your choice of dog type as both the breeds in this cross are uusally very energetic high drive need occupying working breeds.  You might be better off with somthing likely to be less high maintenance.