Our Services

Methodology Statement

A Step Beyond is one of the cutting edge businesses in the country that combines advanced training in both Applied Behavioral Psychology and Applied Ethology to develop humane and effective treatment plans for problem animal behaviors. Lisa Clifton-Bumpass has extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with training, temperament testing and working with many kinds of behavioral problems.

Many owners often confuse the difference between obedience to commands and modification of behavior problems that are rooted in an emotional state such as fear. They are lead to believe that an individual is disobedient when they do not respond the owner’s wants and commands. We liken this to asking an individual to respond to your direction while afraid of the spider crawling toward them.

Behavior modification does include training components, how it is key to keep the learner (your animal) sub threshold in fear to maximize their learning.

Our services are designed to help you improve your relationship with your pet while your pet develops critical life skills and you develop better handling skills and include a discussion and goals assessment process. Together we identify specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timely training and behavior modification protocols.

We currently offer services within the Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Hayward, Union City and Fremont area. Out of service region house calls are priced based on time and mileage plus the consulting fee.

Our methods are tailored to the needs of your animal, your goals and skill level. We determine the best plan of action and working training plan for you and your dog, which include:

One-to-one sessions
Reading list
Skill development exercises and role-playing with neutral training dogs
Change in management protocols
The use of reinforcement protocols
Management for success

We employ a 360-degree behavioral history review method to assess indicators of deficiencies in early learning, socialization, punishment history and a series of assessments for reactivity, triggers, and ability to recover from stressors.

Your sessions will include an intake interview, behavior evaluation and orientation that is followed by an assessment report and abbreviated training plan. After reviewing our recommendations, we will wait to hear from you to schedule your next appointment. All training package prices are honored for 3 months after the initial appointment date.