I have always used some sort of a baby gate to keep the dogs away from the front door just as a security measure in case the door gets open and the dogs decide to go exploring, the new home I am in couldn't accommodate an actual baby gate so to find this free standing gate option was just what i was looking for, it keeps the dogs away from the entry and you have easy access to the door since each panel moves independently and opens smoothly, it folds up flat against the wall and doesn't tip over should I decide I want it out of the way! I highly recommend this product.