My dogs never really liked going in the basement much and I think it was because the steps are not carpeted. You could see how cautiously they went down and their little paws would sort of spread (for better traction? ) as they went down. They had no problem at all running up and down the carpeted stairs in the house though! Also, another fact that didn't help, I'm sure, is that's where their grooming table was and every 6 weeks or so, being that they were poodles, it was time for a "haircut!" That was never the high point of their lives!!