美国小学5年级英语阅读训练题精选.pdf

Skill – Reading Comprehension Name: _________________________ A Chat with Dog Trainer Gail Mirabella October 28, 2009 Article from Time for Kids Magazine 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 kids dog show, and I actually took first place ith the best tricks. From then on, I kind of realized I wanted to work with dogs, but who would have thought Id 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 every