Golden Retriever from West Yorkshire crowned Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes winner at Crufts 2024

Ruby, a five-year-old Golden Retriever from Wakefield, and her owner Sandra Jones, triumphed at Crufts by winning the Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Competition on Saturday 9 March.

Ruby (Gaelleda Krystal Dream Girl) beat 30 other talented dogs to be crowned the winner of the 2024 Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Stakes competition at the world's greatest dog show, with the final overseen by highly experienced judge, Dr Janel Fone.

Speaking after their win, delighted Sandra said: "We've had such an amazing time at Crufts. What an experience! I'm so proud of how Ruby has handled the noise and crowds...as well as my nerves!"

The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme (GCDTS) competition was first held in 2005 to encourage owners of dogs who have passed their GCDTS Bronze Award to take part in obedience competitions as a potential gateway into dog exhibition. The exercises included in the test are a combination of current GCDTS exercises and the Pre-Beginner Obedience test. Building on the basic training skills learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, this stakes class helps to bridge the gap between basic training and entering a competition. Dogs must have obtained their Good Citizen Bronze Award prior to the closing date of the show.

Dogs competing in the final had to qualify at one of the 30 heats held across the country last year with the winner from each heat qualifying for the final.

Sue Garner, Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Working Party Chairman, added: "Ruby and Sandra demonstrated a very strong bond in the ring, performing a first-class round and showcasing the skills they have learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme.

"The standard of competitors was very high and the pair should be proud of their achievement. The Pre-Beginner Stakes are a great way for dogs and owners to enter the obedience world and I wish them luck in the future."

To find out more about the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme visit the website gcds.org.uk

Crufts took place between 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.