We got this for our elderly golden retriever so he could get in/out of my son's condo.  It's sturdy and easy to use.  He's been using a homemade extra wide (about 3 ft) ramp off our deck for the last three years. He is extremely afraid of this and won't go on it.  I am hopeful that he just needs more time to get used to it.  After reading other reviews, I wonder if the sandpaper like padding bothers him too.  I will try to cover it with a thin carpet like his other ramp to see if that works.