Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is what I like about the steps: 1. They don't stick out too far into the middle of the room. 2. They are acceptable as furniture (yes, plastic but not cheap-junk-looking) with a neutral color (well... ideally, I'd like color choices). 3. Even I could put them together, although I had to examine the picture very closely. This is what my toy poodle likes about them: 1. Even when she hits them at a run (which she does) they don't skitter across the floor. As a matter of fact, the steps have not moved at all since I placed them. 2. The steps have backs, so you don't see scary empty space when you are learning to use them. 3. The steps have some depth and are surprisingly broad so you don't have to tiptoe up and down. They are slightly tilted backward for a feeling of security. 4. The carpet treads give your paws good purchase and that mean no scary slipping on the steps. I did have to take time to teach my very timid dog how to use them. First going up, by placing her back feet on the bottom step and her front paws on the top. Then I could just put her front feet on the bottom step and let her scramble up. Down was the same--shaping behavior while giving reassurance by keeping my hands gently around her. It only took 3 or 4 days and then she could go up and down with confidence and pride. Even that, I think, happened only because I'd had cheaper steps in the past that had frightened her because they moved and wobbled so easily. These steps look and feel safe to a dog. I'd recommend them to anyone with a small dog who needs some independence getting on and off bed or couch. One warning: This size is not tall enough for most beds (although just right for a couch). I chose this size for the compactness and because I could place the steps against one end of the chest at the foot of my bed. The dog climbs to the blanket chest and then to the bed (kind of like one more step). It's perfect for my needs, but I did measure first to be sure.