I swept the floor first with my expensive stick vacuum. Then I used the Dirt Devil all I can say is WOW I was amazed at all the dog hair and debris it picked up. It worked just as well on bare floors and the extension wand helped with high spaces. Overall the power switch and recline pedal are located so you don't need to bend. I wish it had a place to secure the cord when in use. Overall I would highly recommend the dirt devil it has plenty of power easy to use compact design a great vacuum.