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The show-stealing dogs of the Big Apple Circus
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Ms Jirah Whitehouse with some of the members of the Olate dog troupe at the Big Apple Circus in Manhattan on Nov 24.
PHOTO: AMY LOMBARD/NYTIMES
Alexis Soloski
- Juan Quiroz, a third-generation circus performer, trains dogs for the Big Apple Circus, believing most dogs can learn tricks with the right approach.
- Mr Quiroz uses patience, consistency, and flexibility, tailoring training to each dog's abilities and personality, prioritising their enjoyment over treats.
- The dogs, including poodles and mixes, perform short routines and live a life of care, with Mr Quiroz emphasising love and affection in their training.
AI generated
NEW YORK – Mr Juan Quiroz believes that nearly any dog can be a circus dog. “Dogs are smart,” he said. “They find a way.”
Not every dog can do every trick, and breeding matters. The short-legged, long-bodied dachshund, for example, will never execute a backflip. But a good trainer, like Mr Quiroz believes himself to be, can teach almost any dog to perform.
