We purchased this because our baby, a miniature Schnauzer, is now 15 years old and he stills tries to go up and down the stairs of our home.  We bought 2 and placed    them at each end of the stairs.  They allow us to walk through them. The gate swings both directions. We no longer have to step over the gates and therefore are no longer in danger of falling either.  They arrived within 4 days and came assembled and neatly packed and protected. They are good looking and configure to any position we need.  They are excellent!