I carry mine because I don't allow them on the stairs. Usually they are napping, so I wake them up to go potty before heading to the bedroom.
Maxman rides in "the boat," his doggy donut bed, and must be picked up first. He is so serious about it and looks like Cleopatra being carried into Egypt on her litter.
Then I put Teddy under my other arm and he places his front paws on the boat.