I will not let the Boyz or rescues or guest dogs upstairs. We have a piece of 1/4" thick x 15" high, cheap Luan paneling slightly wider than the stair step width and placed on an angle. We can sue the right side of the step to go up and down. It is in the middle of the stairs and the "kids" don't even venture up there. If I am up they wait on the landing for me. Works great!