Bramble, a three-year-old Golden Retriever, and his owner Briar Dunn, from Nottingham, has triumphed at Crufts by winning the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Special Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes competition, held on Saturday 12 March.
Bramble (Rubus Parvifolius) beat 28 other talented dogs to be crowned the 2022 winner of the competition at the world’s greatest dog show.
The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme competition was first held in 2005 to encourage owners of dogs who have passed their Good Citizen 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 those used as part of the scheme as well as the Pre-Beginner Obedience test. Building on the basic training skills learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, the stakes competition helps to bridge the gap between basic training and entering a competition. Dogs must have obtained their Bronze Award prior to the closing date for entries to the show.
Dogs competing in the final had to qualify at one of the 14 heats held across the country last year with each heat qualifying the top two dogs. The final at Crufts was judged by highly experienced judge Mrs Kit Clow.
Speaking after his win Briar said: “I was so pleased to be able to bring Bramble to Crufts as I know he loves to work and always tries his best, but to then win this was amazing. I am so proud of Bramble. The day finished on a high with Bramble and I being presented with our award in the main arena with the winners of the Obedience Championships.”
Sue Garner, Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Working Party Chairman, added: “Briar and Bramble performed a super round today. 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.”
Crufts also hosted the Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Final competition for Young Kennel Club members on Sunday 13 March, which was won by Pepper (Jeplong Fire Cracker), a two-year-old Border Collie from Staffordshire and her owner, 24-year-old Paige Jepson.
To find out more about the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme visit the website gcds.org.uk.