Kind, science-based training for anxious cats and dogs, with your unique brain and identity in mind.
Your pet is your family, but lately things have been feeling hard with them, on top of the challenge of late-stage capitalism.
Your dog barks, hides, or panics around people or other animals.
Your cat bolts from noises, visitors, or even you.
You’ve tried training, the vet, the internet… nothing really fits.
You're wondering if your pet’s okay — and if you’re doing enough.
You and your pet are doing the best you can in a world that wasn’t built for you — and that matters here.
Whether your brain works a little differently, your identity has been misunderstood, or you’ve had to fight to be taken seriously as a pet parent, I see you. You deserve support that gets you — and doesn’t ask you to mask, perform, or push past your limits.
Plans that honor your individual brain — with multiple formats, flexible pacing, and zero shame if you need to pause or pivot.
Deep respect for your pet’s emotional world — we never push them faster than they’re ready.
Compassionate, evidence-based methods that meet you were you and your pet are.
A radically inclusive space — queer-affirming, anti-ableist, anti-racist, and always learning.
Collaborative support — your lived experience matters just as much as behavior science.
Wise Whiskers is a queer-owned business. I am Sam Griffin. My pronouns are they/them/theirs. I live in Broomfield, Colorado with my wife and cat Sushi. Featured in the photo on the right is my late cat Charm who is still my best friend and my best teacher with his complicated physical and behavioral health. (He is also featured on my arm of cat tattoos).
If I'm not teaching people about the animals in their lives, I am likely teaching people about queerness and LGBTQ inclusivity, playing indie video games, puzzling, or embroidering.
Amongst all things animal behavior, I am passionatae about educating people on queerness and how all systems of oppression are interlocked. Anti-oppression and animal welfare are connected! (For amazing information on this, follow Ginger and Kassidi and Rachel Forday).
Do you only work with dogs?
Not at all! I also love working with cats, especially those who are fearful or experiencing conflicts with other pets in the home. While my current certifications are specifically for dog behavior consulting and animal training, I am also an experienced and knowledgeable cat behavior consultant.
My pet does ____ behavior, can you help?
Probably! I have experience helping with a wide range of behaviors. I specialize in fear, anxiety, compulsive behaviors (e.g. spinning, light and shadowing chasing, excessive licking or chewing) and aggressive behaviors (eg. growling, lunging, biting). If I don't feel confident in my ability to support you, I will either refer you to another skilled consultant or collaborate with others through the process.
Are you a behavior consultant? What does a pet behavior consultant do?
A pet behavior consultant specializes in addressing maladpative behavior issues (fear, anxiety, aggression). I call myself a dog and cat behavior consultant because I work with complex behavior for cats and dogs. At this moment, I only have a certification for dog behavior consulting (and to be honest, certifying bodies aren't always the most ethical, so the letters don't mean everything).
You may have heard the term cat behaviorist or dog behaviorist. Many people inaccurately describe behavior consultants as behaviorists, but we are not the same. In the USA, the term behaviorist means someone who holds a PhD in one of the behavior science fields ~or~ who holds both a Master’s degree and a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist certification through Animal Behavior Society.
My pet has a bitten someone, will you see them?
Yes! I may recommend working with a Veterinary Behaviorist in conjunction with our sessions to help maximize our efficacy. I often recommend starting with virtual training to reduce everyone's stress.
What are your methods? Do you use e-collars or prong collars?
I utilize an enrichment framework and force free philosophy. My priorities are meeting everyone's needs, supporting learning about body language and species-specific requirements, and helping you create a positive, cooperative relationship with your pet. I do not use e-collars, prong collars, or anything else that works by creating pain or free. You can read more about my approach on the about page.
How long will it take to see results?
Every pet and situation is unique, so the timeline for change varies. My goal is to help you get relief quickly while working towards life-long change towards improved quality of life for everyone. We may need to call in other teams to help us, like a veterinary specialist, as we continue to learn more together. While I cannot guarantee specific outcomes, I focus on providing you with effective tools, knowledge, and strategies to support your pet's progress and long-term well-being.
Can you help me if I'm not in Colorado?
Yes! I offer virtual consultations and training sessions, allowing us to work together no matter where you’re located. Remote sessions are highly effective and provide the same level of personalized guidance and support as in-person sessions. Sometimes it is even better than in-person because we are all comfortable in our homes and a stranger in the home (me) isn't stressing your or your pet out.
Where do you see people in-person?
Broomfield, Longmont, South Boulder, North Arvada, Westminster Colorado
What other experiences do you have that help you as a behavior consultant?
My background in veterinary medicine gives me a deeper understanding of how health and behavior are interconnected. Many behavior challenges stem from or are influenced by underlying medical conditions, and my experience allows me to recognize when a veterinary assessment is needed. This knowledge helps me create well-rounded plans that consider both your pet’s physical and emotional well-being.
Beyond veterinary medicine, my education in gender studies and philosophy gives me a unique perspective on how all things are interconnected. These disciplines have taught me to approach problems holistically, consider diverse perspectives, and recognize the importance of meeting the needs of both pets and their people. Together, these experiences help me provide compassionate, effective, and inclusive support for families navigating behavior challenges.
Have other questions? Schedule your Free Discovery Call!
Learn about my certifications:
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. As of December 2022 there were 474 CBCC-KAs worldwide. Learn more here.
KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy - Certified Training Partner): Focuses on both knowledge and skills in training dogs and other species. Learn more on the website.
Previously:
Elite Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional Cats and Dogs, Fear Free Certified Professional - Equine: "The Fear Free Veterinary Certification Program teaches veterinary healthcare professionals how to eliminate fear, anxiety, and stress for happier patients, more compliant clients, and safer veterinary healthcare teams." Learn more here. I am no longer paying for to be featured on the website but I am still proud of all I've learned.
Other Continuing Education:
Member of Pet Harmony Mentorship group that offers continuing education, community, and case studies.
Regularly watch and attend Veterinary Behaviorist (AVSAB) webinars and conferences.
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