Our Hanna will not go down the basement stairs even for her very favorite liver treats. They are uncarpeted hardwood and she is scared of them. No gate needed. I tried getting her to go up the other day and she just went splat and refused to move. Outdoors she uses stairs including open ones all the time and has no trouble with either up or down. I still have to watch her down there especially if we are watching TV as she will sneak to the door (it's a walk out) and poop or pee. So I usually with just leave her upstairs or put her on the lazyboy with me. On the main level she scratches at the door or comes to get me to let me know she wants out, but not in the basement.