It is hard to open.  I have 2 kids so i had to remove the "lock" part on the bottom with a screwdriver. Thankfully that piece was removable. Because it was hard to get it to close on top and on the bottom. And having to lift it up everytime you wanted to open it was not something I wanted to do.I have a chihuahua so i didn't need all that locking on the bottom. But without the bottom part ITS GREAT!!! It opens both ways and closes by itself. Just what i wanted!!!