Modern Dog Lifestyle
I built this site to make apartment living easier for dog owners like me. Everything here is stuff I actually use or swear by.
For Apartment Dogs & Their People
Welcome to Modern Dog Lifestyle — your go-to space for making life with your dog smoother, cozier, and more fun in smaller living spaces like apartments and condos. We know not everyone has a big backyard or a giant mudroom, and that’s okay. You can still create a fantastic life for your pup right where you are.
This site is all about helping you keep your dog happy, healthy, and entertained, even when square footage is tight. We’re not trainers or vets — just regular dog lovers who’ve learned some great tips and found some awesome products that actually help. From daily routines to bath time hacks and must-have toys, we’ve got everything laid out in one place to make dog ownership feel a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
🐶 Make Life Better for You & Your Dog
Discover hand-picked dog essentials for small-space living. These are the products we use and love — designed to keep your pup happy, healthy, and entertained.
Slow Feeder Bowl
Stops gulping, helps digestion, and makes mealtime fun. Perfect for dogs in apartments or condos. 🛒 Buy Now on Amazon
Calming Toy
Keeps your pup busy and stress-free when you’re not home — great for smaller spaces. 🛒 Buy Now on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases — it helps us keep this site running. Thank you!
🐶 Dog Breeds That Thrive in Smaller Spaces
Not every dog is cut out for apartment life. These breeds are — and they love it.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are one of the top picks for condo and apartment living thanks to their compact size and low-maintenance temperament. They’re affectionate, adapt well to smaller spaces, and don’t require tons of exercise. Their playful but laid-back attitude makes them easy to live with and perfect for owners with busy schedules or limited space.
Frenchies rarely bark, which your neighbors will appreciate. They’re also incredibly loyal and tend to stick close to their humans. Despite their small size, they’ve got a big personality and bring tons of joy without the chaos of a high-energy breed.
- ✅ Quiet and well-suited for indoor life
- ✅ Minimal grooming and exercise needs
- ❌ Can be prone to breathing issues
- ❌ Doesn’t tolerate heat well
Teacup Poodle
Teacup Poodles are smart, trainable, and incredibly portable, making them a great choice for smaller homes. These little charmers love spending time with their humans and are happy to curl up on your lap or ride around in a small carrier. They’re easy to train and adapt well to routines and apartment rhythms.
Despite their tiny size, they have the same elegant look and intelligence as standard Poodles. Just a short walk and some playtime keep them happy and stimulated. They also tend to do well with allergy sufferers, thanks to their low-shedding coats.
- ✅ Hypoallergenic and low-shedding
- ✅ Super intelligent and easy to train
- ❌ Requires regular grooming
- ❌ Fragile and needs gentle handling
Teacup Chihuahua
Teacup Chihuahuas pack a ton of personality into a tiny frame. They’re fiercely loyal, very alert, and love curling up in cozy spaces — which makes them ideal for apartment dwellers. Their small size means they don’t need much room to roam, and they’re happy with short daily walks or playtime indoors.
They bond deeply with their people and make great little watchdogs (though they can be a bit vocal). With proper socialization and care, they’re confident, affectionate companions that thrive in compact living environments.
- ✅ Tiny, portable, and needs very little space
- ✅ Loyal and loves snuggling close
- ❌ Can be yappy without training
- ❌ Sensitive to cold and rough handling
Teacup Yorkie
Teacup Yorkies are tiny, confident, and full of sass. They thrive in small apartments thanks to their compact size and love of indoor life. These little dogs are incredibly loyal, often bonding closely with one person, and they enjoy spending most of their day snuggled up next to their owner.
Despite their size, Teacup Yorkies are brave and curious. They don’t need a ton of exercise and are usually satisfied with some indoor play or a short walk. Their silky coat is beautiful but needs regular grooming to keep it tangle-free.
- ✅ Perfect size for small apartments
- ✅ Loyal, affectionate, and alert
- ❌ Needs regular brushing and grooming
- ❌ Can be fragile and anxious if left alone too long
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These gentle and loving dogs are known for their calm demeanor and affectionate nature. Cavaliers are lap dogs through and through, and they don’t need much space to be content. They’re polite, friendly with strangers, and usually get along great with kids and other pets.
They’re also quiet and adaptable, which is a huge plus in shared living spaces. As long as they get a couple of walks and some cuddles each day, they’re perfectly happy in an apartment or condo.
- ✅ Affectionate, calm, and quiet indoors
- ✅ Gets along well with other pets and kids
- ❌ Prone to heart and eye issues
- ❌ Needs regular grooming
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a cheerful little companion with a sturdy build and a friendly disposition. They don’t take up much space and are usually content to lounge indoors with occasional bursts of play. Their short coats are easy to maintain, and they tend to be pretty clean overall.
Bostons are alert without being yappy, affectionate without being clingy, and playful without being overly hyper. All of these traits make them a solid choice for city or apartment living.
- ✅ Friendly, playful, and affectionate
- ✅ Low grooming needs
- ❌ Can be sensitive to extreme temperatures
- ❌ May snore or have breathing issues
Greyhound
Greyhounds are one of the biggest surprises on any apartment dog list. Even though they’re built like racing machines, they’re calm, gentle, and low-energy indoors. After a good walk or a quick zoom around a dog park, they’re totally content to lounge on the couch for hours.
They don’t bark much, don’t smell, and are super affectionate with their people. As long as you give them daily walks and a comfy place to stretch out, they adapt surprisingly well to apartment life — especially retired racing Greyhounds, who just want peace and quiet.
- ✅ Calm, quiet, and low-energy indoors
- ✅ Doesn’t bark or smell much
- ❌ Not great off-leash (they chase things fast)
- ❌ Very sensitive to cold — needs a coat in winter
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are friendly, gentle little dogs that were literally bred to be royal lap warmers. They love lounging around, don’t need a ton of space, and are happy living in apartments as long as they’re near their humans. These dogs are affectionate without being needy, and they’re generally pretty quiet too.
They’ve got long, flowing coats that look fancy — but you can keep it trimmed short if you don’t want to deal with daily brushing. With their sweet personalities and laid-back energy, Shih Tzus are perfect for condo or city living, especially for people who want a chill, happy companion.
- ✅ Calm, cuddly, and easygoing
- ✅ Great for people with slower lifestyles
- ❌ Needs regular grooming if coat is kept long
- ❌ Can be stubborn during training
🧸 Dog Toys That Actually Keep Your Pup Busy
Finding the right dog toy can feel like trial and error — some get ignored within minutes, others get destroyed in seconds. That’s why we handpicked toys that actually hold your dog’s attention and stand up to daily use. Whether you’re dealing with a power chewer or a bored couch potato, having the right toy around can seriously improve your dog’s day. Toys aren’t just for play — they help with anxiety, prevent destructive behavior, and give dogs a healthy outlet for energy. A good toy can be the difference between chewed-up shoes and a happy, tired pup. We’ve tested and researched toys that work well in smaller homes, don’t make a mess, and fit well in baskets or drawers. Some are great for interactive play, while others are perfect for solo entertainment. These are the kinds of toys you’ll feel good about spending money on — because your dog will actually use them.
Not every toy is a winner, and we know how annoying it is to buy something that gets tossed aside after five minutes. That’s why this list only includes toys that real dogs love — tested in apartments, condos, and backyards by pups of all sizes. We picked toys that are fun, durable, and easy to clean. Most of them are low-noise and won’t drive you nuts if your dog gets obsessed with them (which they will). Some double as slow feeders, some squeak, and others challenge your dog to think a little. If your dog needs more mental stimulation or just something safe to gnaw on, you’ll find something here that fits the bill. These toys are also great for busy owners who want to keep their dogs entertained while they’re working or out running errands. Whether you’re buying for a new puppy or an older dog, this list has you covered.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
The KONG Classic is a legend for a reason. It’s made of ultra-durable natural rubber that’s built to last. You can stuff it with treats, peanut butter, or freeze it for longer play. It’s perfect for dogs with anxiety or separation issues. Great for fetch, chewing, and keeping dogs entertained. Easy to clean—just throw it in the dishwasher. Comes in different sizes for all breeds. A must-have staple in any dog household.
Buy the KONG Classic on Amazon
KONG Puppy Binkie
Specifically designed for teething puppies, this toy soothes sore gums. The soft rubber is gentle on baby teeth but still durable. You can stuff the center with treats to keep your puppy engaged. It promotes healthy chewing habits early on. The pacifier shape is easy for small dogs to grip and carry. Helps prevent destructive chewing on shoes and furniture. Encourages independent play. It’s a great starter toy for young pups.
Buy the KONG Puppy Binkie on Amazon
KONG Flyer
The KONG Flyer is a flexible frisbee made of soft rubber. It’s safer on teeth than hard plastic discs. Flies well and is great for outdoor fetch. It folds or rolls for travel. Tough enough for rough play but still gentle. Recommended for medium to large dogs. Dishwasher safe and easy to wipe down. If your dog loves to chase, this is a win.
KONG Puppy Teething Stick
This teething stick is made for puppies who love to chew. The ridges help clean teeth and soothe gums. You can stuff treats or peanut butter inside the grooves. Made of gentle rubber, it’s safe for developing mouths. Helps build positive chewing habits. Good for crate training or solo play. Comes in small sizes for little pups. A go-to for early teething relief.
Buy the KONG Puppy Teething Stick on Amazon
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
This toy turns playtime into a game of hide-and-seek. Dogs pull squeaky squirrels out of a soft log. It stimulates natural hunting instincts. Great for mental enrichment and problem-solving. The squirrels have squeakers that keep dogs interested. No stuffing means less mess. Comes in various sizes for small and large dogs. A top-rated indoor toy for interactive fun.
Buy the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel on Amazon
Chuckit! Ultra Ball
This ball bounces high and floats in water. It’s made with tough rubber that outlasts tennis balls. Perfect for active dogs who love to fetch. Compatible with Chuckit! ball launchers. Gentle on teeth but extremely durable. Easy to clean and weather-resistant. Comes in multiple sizes for all dog breeds. If your dog lives for fetch, this is the one.
Buy the Chuckit! Ultra Ball on Amazon
Benebone Wishbone
This wishbone-shaped chew toy is made from durable nylon. Infused with real bacon flavor to keep dogs chewing. The shape makes it easy for dogs to hold between their paws. Great for heavy chewers who need something long-lasting. Not edible, but built for extended gnawing. Made in the USA with dog-safe materials. Helps prevent boredom and destructive chewing. One of the top-rated chew toys out there.
Buy the Benebone Wishbone on Amazon
Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy
This interactive puzzle challenges your dog’s brain. Hide treats under sliding pieces for your dog to find. Promotes mental stimulation and problem-solving. Great for rainy days or downtime indoors. Helps prevent boredom-related behaviors. Made from safe, durable plastic. Non-slip base keeps it in place. Ideal for curious dogs who like a challenge.
Buy the Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy on Amazon
ZippyPaws Donutz
This donut-shaped plush is cute and soft with no stuffing. Two squeakers inside make it irresistible for playful pups. The shape is easy for dogs to carry around. Gentle on teeth but fun for tug and toss. Best for small to medium breeds. Comes in fun “frosting” colors. Light enough for indoor fetch. Great for dogs who love squeaky toys.
Buy the ZippyPaws Donutz on Amazon
Nylabone Puppy Teething Rings
These rings are made for puppies going through teething. They’re soft enough for sore gums but tough enough to last. The ring shape makes them easy for little paws to grip. Flavored to keep puppies interested without making a mess. Promotes healthy chewing habits early on. Helps protect shoes, furniture, and fingers. Safe and vet-recommended for young pups. A simple and effective way to ease teething pain.
Buy the Nylabone Teething Rings on Amazon
🐾 Daily Routine for a Happy, Healthy Dog
🐾 Daily Routine for a Happy, Healthy Dog
Every day with your dog is a chance to build trust, create structure, and make life smoother—for both of you. Whether you live in a cozy condo or a small apartment, dogs thrive on routines that give them consistency, stimulation, and comfort. From morning walks to evening wind-downs, having a solid daily rhythm helps prevent bad behavior, eases anxiety, and builds better habits. It also makes your life easier—less guesswork, fewer surprises, and a dog that knows what to expect. This guide breaks down the full day into manageable pieces so you can confidently show up as a great dog owner, even on your busiest days. No fluff, just real-life tips and recommended gear to make each part of your dog’s day run smoother.
Each part of the day brings a different opportunity. Morning is about getting your dog’s energy out early, offering food and water, and setting the tone. Midday is perfect for play, grooming, or quiet crate time if you’re working. The evening is for a final energy release, quality bonding, and preparing your dog to settle in for the night. Having the right tools on hand—like a dependable leash, a spill-proof bowl, or a calming toy—can make all the difference. Let’s walk through what an ideal day looks like from start to finish, so your dog feels seen, safe, and satisfied.
🌅 Morning Routine
Start the day with a bathroom break right after waking up. Use a comfortable leash and a well-fitting harness or collar to keep your dog secure while they get their first walk in. Always have poop bags on hand—attach a dispenser right to the leash so you’re never caught without them. After the walk, offer clean, fresh water from a water dispenser that stays full all day, especially important if you’ll be gone. Serve breakfast in a slow feeder bowl to slow down fast eaters and add some mental stimulation to their meal. If your dog is a messy eater or tends to push the bowl around, a non-slip dog bowl keeps everything in place.
☀️ Midday Routine
Around lunch or early afternoon, give your dog another potty break and a little playtime if you’re home. If not, consider an interactive setup with a calming toy or leave them wrapped up in a calming blanket to keep them cozy while you’re out. Dogs who get anxious alone often feel better having something soft to cuddle. This is also a great time for a quick grooming session—use a soft slicker brush to keep their coat smooth and reduce shedding, especially in small living spaces. If you’re crate-training, make sure their crate has a cozy mat and access to water via a no-spill bowl. Keep toys nearby that are safe to chew even when you’re not around.
🌇 Evening Routine
After work, take your dog for a longer walk to burn off that pent-up energy. Let them sniff and explore—it’s their way of reading the world. Once you’re back home, serve dinner in the same slow feeder bowl or non-slip bowl, keeping consistency with your morning routine. This is the perfect time for family bonding—play fetch, tug-of-war, or practice basic commands with reward-based training. If your dog has high energy, use toys or puzzles to mentally tire them out. Before settling in for the night, give them a quick brush or wipe down if you’ve been out on dirty streets or trails.
🌙 Night Routine
Wind-down starts with a final short potty break. Keep it calm and quiet, especially if you’re in a shared building where late-night barking could be an issue. Back inside, create a peaceful bedtime environment—dim lights, turn on soft background noise if needed, and lay out their favorite calming blanket or let them cuddle with their calming toy. If your dog sleeps in a crate, double-check that their space is comfortable, clean, and ventilated. Offer a small bowl of water nearby for overnight hydration, especially in warmer months. Say goodnight with a little affection—belly rub, head scratch, or just a soft “goodnight”—to help them feel safe and secure.
🛁 Bath Time Made Easy (and Kinda Fun)
Bath time doesn’t have to be a disaster—or a back‑breaking mess. The key is preparation, patience, and the right gear. Start by brushing your dog with a soft slicker brush to remove loose fur and prevent your drain from turning into a furball trap. Make sure the water is lukewarm and have everything within reach before you even get them near the tub. If your dog’s nervous or squirmy, use a non‑slip bath mat in the tub to help them feel secure. Consider adding a pet shower attachment—it gives you one‑hand control and targeted rinsing so you’re not splashing soap or water everywhere.
Use a gentle, pH‑balanced shampoo made for dogs—like this soothing oatmeal‑and‑aloe dog shampoo that’s safe, hypoallergenic, and free of harsh sulfates and parabens. Rinse thoroughly using the shower attachment or handheld sprayer. Dry with an ultra‑absorbent microfiber dog towel, and for a faster, cleaner finish, use a low‑noise dog‑safe blow dryer. Lay out a cozy spot afterward with a calming blanket to help them relax. If they’re still fidgety, hand over a calming toy to distract and soothe them.
After the bath, do a quick touch‑up with the soft slicker brush to keep their coat tangle‑free and smooth. Make sure their water is topped up in their dog water dispenser—baths can leave them extra thirsty. Some dogs get the zoomies right after drying off, so clear a safe space for them to burn energy. If your dog likes to roll around afterward, toss the calming blanket in the wash and swap in a fresh one. With the right routine and gear—like that handy pet shower attachment and dog-safe dryer—bath time becomes something your dog—and you—can actually look forward to.
🎉 Thanks for Visiting Modern Dog Lifestyle
We’re so glad you stopped by. Whether you’re a new dog owner figuring it out day by day or someone just looking to improve life with your pup, this site is here to help. Everything we recommend on this page is stuff we’d actually use with our own dogs—and we hope it makes your life a little easier too. If you buy anything through the links we’ve shared, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. That support helps us keep the site growing, test more products, and bring you even more tips, tools, and fun dog content. So thank you—seriously—for being here and for supporting what we’re building.
If you have questions, suggestions, or want to share your dog’s favorite product with us, reach out here. We’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to check back soon—we’re always updating things, adding new favorites, and working to make dog life even better. In the meantime, give your pup a belly rub from us. 🐾
