A CHAT WITH A DOG TRAINER GAIL MIRABELLA

Gail Mirabella used to train her dogs to do tricks when she was a kid. Eventually,
her hobby turned into a career. Today, Mirabella works as a dog trainer for Ringling
Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. Backstage before a recent show, she talked to Time
Magazine Kid Reporter, Cameron Young, about why she chose this career path, how
the dogs are trained and her overall love for dogs.
Reporter: Did you always want to be a dog trainer in the circus?
Mirabella: When I was a little kid, I think I was about 9 or 10, I did my first dog show,
a kid's dog show, and I actually took first place with the best tricks. From then on, I kind
of realized I wanted to work with dogs, but who would have thought I'd be in the circus?
Reporter: Did you have any dogs growing up?
Mirabella: Absolutely. I had a white shepherd when I was a little baby. And then when
he passed away, we got a couple of family dogs. When I was 14, I got my first dog for
myself for my birthday. He was a big shepherd and reminded me of the shepherd I had
when I was a baby. That dog actually lived to be 14 years old, and he went to college
with me too.
Reporter: How long does it take to train a dog?
Mirabella: That depends on the dog. For some of the dogs that I rescued or adopted, it
may take up to a year. First and foremost, I develop a bond with the dog. I become like
their best friend. I have thirteen dogs and I let them all play together, but I do a lot of
individual work with each dog. They know that I am the one in charge because I do all
the feeding, and it keeps everyone pretty well balanced.
Reporter: If you weren't a dog trainer, what would you be?
Mirabella: A dog. Just kidding. I would probably still work with animals. I would
probably be a dolphin trainer.