Meet Sami Griffin | Animal Trainer and Behavior Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sami Griffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sami, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my own business to combine all my experiences and support both humans and their pets, improving their bonds and understanding of one another. By creating Wise Whiskers Training, I could offer compassionate, individualized care that is inclusive and flexible. My background in Gender Studies and anti-oppressive work heavily influences my approach. I wanted to create a space that acknowledges the intersectionality of both pets and their humans, where different experiences, identities, and challenges are respected. Being queer myself, it’s important to me that everyone feels welcomed and understood—no matter their background or what challenges they’re facing with their pets.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Wise Whiskers Training, is focused on helping both pets and their humans build stronger bonds through compassionate, force-free training methods. What sets me apart is my holistic, empathetic approach. I don’t just focus on modifying behavior—I dig deep into understanding what drives that behavior. I also prioritize creating a safe, judgment-free environment where pets and humans alike can feel supported as they work through challenges. Having a background in Gender Studies and a commitment to anti-oppressive, intersectional approaches, I am passionate about inclusivity and respect for all, which informs my work with clients.

What I’m most proud of is being able to offer individualized care that really makes a difference in people’s lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the progress not just in the pets, but in the relationships between animals and their families. I’m excited about continuing to help people better understand their pets while also supporting my clients in feeling more confident and capable in their journey.

Getting to where I am today was definitely not easy. Starting my own business meant stepping outside of my comfort zone, and as someone who tends to be risk-averse, that was a challenge in itself. I also faced challenges in the beginning when it came to balancing the emotional toll of working with intense cases and managing a business. However, through mentorship from Pet Harmony and learning to set boundaries for my own well-being, I was able to overcome those hurdles.

One key lesson I’ve learned is that success is not about doing everything perfectly, but about being adaptable, compassionate, and patient—both with myself and my clients. I’ve also learned that progress in behavior change is not always linear, but every small step forward counts.

I want the world to know that Wise Whiskers Training isn’t just about training animals; it’s about fostering understanding, compassion, and respect for all beings involved. I’m here to support both pets and their people in building happier, more harmonious lives together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d start by exploring Broomfield’s beautiful parks and open spaces, perfect for peaceful walks and picnics. On the way, we’d grab some tasty bites at Paris Banh Mi—can’t resist those fresh sandwiches! One day, we’d head down south to visit the Denver Zoo, and afterward, indulge in dinner at my favorite spot, Golden Falafel. Since I enjoy a lot of downtime, we’d probably spend our afternoons chilling at a cozy coffee shop, sitting outside and soaking up the relaxing vibes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a huge shoutout to Pet Harmony’s Pet Pro Mentorship program. They’ve been instrumental in my growth, not just as a trainer and behavior consultant, but also as a business owner and human. Through their mentorship, I’ve been able to continue growing my animal knowledge, improve my business acumen, and receive individualized support whenever I needed it. Beyond that, they’ve given me a sense of community, which can be invaluable when working in an emotionally demanding field like animal behavior.

Website: https://www.wisewhiskerstraining.com

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