This is vague term that is common mostly in working German Shepherd circles, but can be used when referring to any dog. Â It describes a dog that can think clearly and remain focused when highly stimulated.
In order to understand what clear headed is, it is best to see what a dog that is NOT clear headed is like. Â These are dogs that can get "worked up" easy in anticipation of stimuli and loss of focus while stimulated that may result in various frantic behavior such as: Â misdirected bites, hard to control barking or other vocalizations, spinning, jumping, etc..
A good example of a clear headed dog can be relaxed, then work hard and focused when needed, and then calm back down easily.
As in all temperament traits there is a grey area between what is and what is not clear headed.
Dogs that are not clear headed tend to also be prone to barrier frustration.
Here is an example of a dog that is "clear headed". Â The dog can stay calm in anticipation of high arousal stay focused during arousal, and shut it off afterward.
Here is a dog that is LESS clear headed.  Keep in mind that other factors play a part in a dog's presentation during training, but in general this dog (although still a very good dog) has a harder time staying focused in anticipation of stimuli.
Like all temperament traits how clear headed a dog is depends on genetics and it isn't necessarily a good or bad thing depending on the intent of the breeder. Â For example, a tendency for excitability and barking could be a good thing to someone who breeds for sport work and wants a dog to easily perform a "bark and hold" exercise. Â A "clear headed" dog may not be as easy to animate in this case when all else in the training plan is equal.
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