ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
October 28, 2009
A Chat with Dog Trainer Gail Mirabella
TFK Kid Reporter Cameron Young talks to the circus performer about her cool job
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 TFK Kid Reporter Cameron Young about why she chose this career path, how she selects the dogs she trains and what it's like to work in the circus.
 |  COURTESY YOUNG FAMILY TFK Kid Reporter Cameron Young backstage at the circus with dog trainer Gail Mirabella and Dallas |
Did you always want to be a dog trainer in the circus?
Gail 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. So from then on, I kind of realized I wanted to do stuff with dogs. But who would have thought I'd be in the circus?
TFK: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. And when I was 14, I got my first dog for myself for my birthday. He was a shepherd. He was a big dog. And that dog actually lived to be 14 years old, and he went to college with me too.
TFK:How long have you been a dog trainer?
Mirabella:I have been training professionally since the late '90s, so about 10 to 12 years.
TFK:Are some dogs easier to train than others?
Mirabella:I like to use the herding breeds. They really like to work with their handlers, and they are a little smaller than your typical labs and golden retrievers. They usually weigh about 35 to 45 pounds.
TFK: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.
TFK:What ages are best for the dogs to perform?
Mirabella:Typically after they are two is when they can really start performing the big tricks, but I have used dogs as young as eight months old in the pre show. It gets them used to being around people, and the lights and music.
TFK:What is circus life like?
Mirabella:It's crazy. It's great though. I worked in pharmaceuticals for about 12 years, but I gave that all up because I wanted to do something with the dogs. And that's when I joined the circus. Life here is great because I get to be with the dogs 24-7. They eat with me and sleep with me. It's a lot of work though. We have to travel every week, and I have to take care of these dogs all the time.
TFK: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.
TFK:What is your favorite trick?
Mirabella:Hmm, I like to do a thing called the foot stall. I lay on my back and put my feet up in the air, and Dallas (the dog) jumps up and stands on the bottoms of my feet.
TFK:What is the best thing about working in the circus?
Mirabella:I get to be with the dogs all the time. I meet a lot of new people, and go to different cities.
For a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey tour schedule, visit ringling.com.
