Sam Griffin
is a dog and cat trainer who lives in Broomfield, Colorado with their wife and cat Sushi. They are the owner of Wise Whiskers Training, a queer-owned business. Sam is passionate about educating people on queerness and how all systems of oppression are interlocked. They believe that anti-oppression and animal welfare are connected.
Training Philosophy
Sam Griffin uses force-free and science-based methods focused on meeting animals’ needs. They follow the LIMA humane hierarchy and the newer LIFE framework. This involves addressing the whole animal and their needs, setting them up for success and utilizing positive reinforcement. Sam believes that these methods are the most ethical, effective, and humane, and that they help improve animal’s wellbeing and joy.
Services
Sam Griffin offers a variety of services, including:
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Initial Consultation:
60-90 minutes for $225
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Membership:
Different levels of membership with varying benefits, including travel perks, discounted extra sessions, priority scheduling, flexible scheduling, appointment rollovers, video reviews, course access, email support, and text support.
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Consultations:
60-minute appointments available online via video-call or in the comfort of your home if appropriate for your pet.
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Hands-On:
In-person appointments where Sam comes to your home or neighborhood and works one-on-one with your animal.
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Lunch and Learns:
Private education sessions for professionals on topics such as gender and sex, inclusive language, cooperative care basics, low-stress handling, and behaviorally-minded history taking.
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Mentorships:
Focused on understanding animal behavior, how animals learn, animal welfare and behavior modification.
Certifications
Sam Griffin holds the following certifications:
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CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed):
Requires at least 300 hours of hands-on canine behavior modification and behavior consulting on fear, phobias, compulsive behaviors, anxiety and/or aggression.
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KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner):
Focuses on both knowledge and skills in training dogs and other species.
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Elite Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional Cats and Dogs, Fear Free Certified Professional – Equine:
Teaches veterinary healthcare professionals how to eliminate fear, anxiety, and stress for happier patients, more compliant clients, and safer veterinary healthcare teams.
Sam is also a member of the following organizations:
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Pet Harmony Mentorship group:
Offers continuing education, community, and case studies.
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American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP):
Maintains up to date education on best feline practices.
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Veterinary Behaviorist (AVSAB):
Regularly watches and attends webinars and conferences.
Specializations
Sam Griffin specializes in fear, anxiety, compulsive behaviors (e.g. spinning, light and shadowing chasing, excessive licking or chewing) and aggressive behaviors (eg. growling, lunging, biting). They also have experience helping with a wide range of behaviors in dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, and other exotic animals.
Training Methods
Sam Griffin uses force-free and positive reinforcement training methods. They follow the LIMA humane hierarchy and the newer LIFE framework, which involves addressing the whole animal and their needs, setting them up for success and utilizing positive reinforcement.
Customer Reviews
“Sam is incredibly knowledgeable and patient! We have seen so much progress with our pup on meet and greets, as well a cooperative care.” – Maddy A
“I know some stuff about this stuff and I still had some perspective shifts and learned lots. And so many good reminders. The parallels between gendered language / labels with non-human animals and human animals was spectacular ” Cheryl Warner, KPA-CTP
“It was awesome and super helpful! One thing I realized is that, even though our pronouns are listed in our email signatures, on our Zoom accounts, and in the podcast, we don’t have them listed on our Meet the Team page. I also believe that some of our handouts may still have gendered language that can be spruced up a bit. So thank you for helping Pet Harmony to improve!” – Emily Strong
