The CGC is neither a behavioral nor temperament test. It’s an obedience test – and it tests skills that are not indicative of whether or not a dog is a “good boy.”

The test favors outgoing dogs and essentially labels dogs who are shy or fearful (neither of which make a dog “bad”) as “bad citizens.” Any trainer worth their salt and any behaviorist will tell you that dogs are allowed to have their own individual personalities and their own independent feelings about experiences. If a dog is shy, that’s okay. There are millions of shy dogs in the world. But if you live in WA and you have a shy dog who is arbitrarily subjected to BSL, your city can tell you that there’s something wrong with your dog. Any other shy dog would likely be greeted with an “awww, it’s okay little buddy!” You know, the way that most rational people respond to a shy dog.

The CGC tests skills that many dogs do not possess, like recall. Should all dogs come when called? Of course! It’s a valuable skill for any dog and their owner to develop. But the reality is that millions of dogs won’t come when they’re called. That’s why the “SQUIRREL!!” joke is so ubiquitous.