My female English setter is getting old. She is 13 and in good health but slowed down a lot. I could probably finally keep up with her bird hunting now. That girl had some really big wheels when she was younger. Not a trait I find desirable in a trapline dog. I took her with us last season and she loved going but we kept her on a leash out of the side by side because with a nose full of bird she can be hard to call back. She did provide me with several turds on the line on which I caught several coyotes. Though I cannot trap this season, I am still making plans for future seasons. I like bird dogs but don't see most of them as good choice for a dual purpose dog. I had French Brittanies before the Setter and while they stayed close, when they got on a bird, in season or out, they could be hard to call off. Most bird dogs like to range further than I'd like a trapline dog to go. I'd prefer a dog who ran around the set area and marked a few spots for me, left a turd, and came back to the truck or side by side. But I like to get in a little waterfowling and bird hunting on my non check days. I may be looking for a unicorn.

What are your thoughts on Labs or Labradoodles for a trapline dog? The Labs I've been around seem to stay close. I think I would want an uncut male for the pee post marking. I welcome any thoughts or suggestions.

I have a male yellow lab that is 2 years old. I carry him with me every day checking traps. He locks up pretty good when he catches a whiff of coyote urine then marks the spot with his.
Usually within a day or two we will go by that location and find kick backs. He has really surprised me marking spots that l never would have thought that a coyote peed on.
I have been using his poop at flat sets just for the visual effect.

My blue heeler is a great dog to watch. He is passionate about marking scent post.

I prefer my blue heeler. Dude is half coyote himself... Haha.