Gary, a mixed breed, takes direction during a workshop with animal trainer Miriam Fields-Babineau. photos by Miriam Fields-Babineau

Humphrey the basset hound seems to be on a roll. photos by Miriam Fields-Babineau

A Saluki named Clue performed with the help of props. photos by Miriam Fields-Babineau

Ajax, an English mastiff, did well at sitting but fell asleep during the lecture. photos by Miriam Fields-Babineau

Area pets show up for their day in the spotlight at a studio animal-training workshop in Spotsylvania County. photos by Miriam Fields-Babineau

Nine dogs--and their owners--learn whether they have what it takes to succeed in the animal acting world

Date published: 7/28/2007

By KIM BAER

MIRIAM FIELDS- BABINEAU, long- time animal trainer and animal-actor agent, stood behind a long table, setting up for her studio animal-training workshop.

The workshop was located in an inviting spot: PAWS for Therapy Day Spa at The Shops at River Club in Spotsylvania County.

Bright fuchsia carpeting covered the floor. The walls were decorated with flags--the kind proud dog owners fly on their front porches--of different breeds of dogs.

Fields-Babineau arranged a display of treats and training books on the table, and checked out the animals as they arrived.

She was friendly with the pet owners who filed in, but wasn't giving too much away.

"Nice coloring," she said of Ajax, an English mastiff.

When friend Thea Verdak, president of the Rappahannock Humane Society, swooned over Sugar and Tiffany, two show dogs from Northern Virginia, Fields-Babineau smiled.

She broke from her objective demeanor when Randy Beavers came in, trailing behind his two basset hounds.

"Oh, here are my bassets," she said.

She had worked with one, Rupert, on two commercials.

The workshop did not have the feel of a competitive tryout. There were no obvious "stage owners" primping pampered pets.

The pet owners sat in metal folding chairs that ringed the table. Some pets stayed with their owners. Others were more comfortable in the crates that were lined up along one wall of the salon.

These pet owners had gathered on a sunny summer Saturday, each hopeful that his or her pet could make it in the business.

Would the nine dogs--and their owners--have what it takes to make it in the animal acting world?

Fields-Babineau would find out.

Fields-Babineau is a tall, strongly built woman with long brown, slightly curly hair.

She was dressed casually on this day, in brown pants and a sleeveless shirt. But she had a calm authority with the animals and owners that reflects her nearly 30 years as an animal trainer.

For years, she did her work in the backyard of her Aquia Harbour home in Stafford County.

She now runs an animal-training center and boarding facility on her 75-acre farm in Amherst.

An animal-actor agent for nearly 25 years, Fields-Babineau has provided animals for dozens of commercials, photo shoots and feature films, including "Enemy of the State."

At the workshop's start, she made one thing clear right away: The job is not for every animal.

A pedigree is not required. Some of Fields-Babineau's best animal actors have been mixed breeds.

But to be a success in the business, an animal must possess three things: looks, temperament and training.

The animals must be photogenic. Fields-Babineau looks for expressive faces, too.

But it's not just about being pretty.

The animal must also be outgoing and comfortable in all situations, not easily stressed.

An animal actor on her staff must be well-trained: "They represent me," she said.

Here are the top things Fields-Babineau looks for in an animal actor: Looks: The animal has to look good on film. It should be in the peak of health, with a good, shiny coat. Age: This is for the animal's benefit. Film shoots may take several hours, which is a challenge for senior animals. Outgoing: The animal should be comfortable in all situations and accept new situations readily. Travels well. Shoots often require long trips. Well-behaved: The animal must be well-trained. The animal should respond to a behavior cue the first time. The most important behaviors an animal must have learned are: sit-stay, down-stay, come, and walk--both on and off a leash. The ability to hold something in the mouth and to speak on cue are other pluses. Not easily distracted. Not aggressive to other animals or to people. Fields-Babineau also has requirements for her animal actors' owners: Flexible schedule: Fields-Babineau will often get only a day's notice or less to prepare for a shoot. Punctual: Lateness is unacceptable. Follow directions: Arguing with the lead trainer is unacceptable. Check out Miriam Fields-Babineau's Web site, miriam fields.com. To reach Fields-Babineau, call 434/946-5464 or e-mail trainingunlimited1@netzero .net. Cat Training Seminar Yes, cats can be trained. And Miriam Fields-Babineau can show you how. She'll lead a cat-training seminar Saturday, Aug. 18, at Tidewater Trail Animal Hospital. Fields-Babineau will show cat owners how to use visual and voice cues to communicate with cats and how to teach cats to come when called, among other things. Preregistration with Fields-Babineau is required. Registration ends Aug. 15.

Date published: 7/28/2007