October 5, 2025
How to Master Apartment Living with a Dog
How to Master Apartment Living with a Dog.
Photo by Sandra Tan on Unsplash
Last updated: Oct 2025
Living in an apartment doesn’t have to stop you from owning dogs. We all deserve to have furry friends by our sides, regardless of whether we have yards to play fetch with them in. The good news is that both people and pets can live happily in apartments with the right knowledge and environment. Policy details are general guidance only—always check your building’s strata by-laws and pet rules for current, specific requirements. Please read more on renting with pets in NSW. Finding properties allow pets is still no mean feat, although it seems to be getting easier, and when you do eventually find a place that is right for you, you also need to make sure it is right for your pet. I have have been to know to install a balcony safety mesh, and strategically place pot plants around so reduce the chances of my pet escaping or jumping onto the neighbour’s balcony.
Here are some helpful tips for mastering apartment living with a dog.
Find a Dog-Friendly Apartment
The first step toward easy apartment living with pets is finding a pet-friendly apartment. Fortunately, many apartments for rent Sydney residents will enjoy are pet-friendly. Some of the best apartments even have dog washes and pet services. By finding an apartment that welcomes pets, you stand a better chance of enjoying a warm and welcoming environment for both you and your dog.
Choose an Apartment-Friendly Breed
Not all dogs are suitable for apartment living. If they have moderate to high exercise needs and you must leave them home alone for extended periods, they are more likely to thrive in standalone homes with yards or with owners who can take them to work.
However, many breeds make great apartment dogs, such as French Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas. They tend to have moderate to low exercise needs, adapt well to smaller spaces, and enjoy lounging.
Prioritise Exercise and Stimulation
Knowing you don’t have a yard for your dog to play in, finding other ways to deliver mental and physical stimulation is crucial. Plan daily walks, even for small dogs, and ensure they get at least two or three outings every day. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exertion, so invest in puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and training games to tire them out and even help with anxiety.
Teach Social Etiquette in Shared Spaces
Apartment living means sharing social spaces with other people. Ensure your dog is well-prepared by teaching social etiquette from an early age. This means keeping them leashed in hallways and elevators and teaching polite greetings for neighbours and other pets. Lastly, always carry waste bags and dispose of them responsibly.
Provide Comfort While You’re Away
Even remote workers don’t spend every moment with their dogs. If you plan to be away from your dog and leave them in your apartment, ensure they have everything they need to stay comfortable and happy.
Put their favourite blankets and toys in a crate or play pen so they know it’s their ‘safe’ space. You may also want to consider hiring dog walkers or enrolling your dog in day care for long workdays.
Manage Barking and Noise
When you live in an apartment, barking doesn’t just affect you; it affects your neighbours. Manage barking and noise by training ‘quiet’ commands and rewarding calm behaviour. You may also like to use white noise machines to block out noises that may trigger them. The good news is that adequate exercise typically reduces excessive barking.
Living in an apartment with a dog can require a different approach than living in a traditional home. If you’re about to relocate with your furry friend, keep these helpful tips in mind for comfortable, stress-free apartment living.
Author Bio
Carla Francis is a pet-travel author based in Sydney. She runs Pet-Friendly Accommodation and has written three books on pets, which have been translated into multiple languages. She shares practical, welfare-first advice for life with animals.