5 Apartment Hacks That Actually Made Life With Alfie Easier

October 3, 2025 • 7 min read

I live in a 700-square-foot one-bedroom in San Diego with my mini Bernedoodle, Alfie. When I first brought him home at 8 weeks, I thought I was prepared. I wasn't.

The noise complaints started within two weeks. Dog hair embedded itself into my couch cushions. Every time it rained, muddy paw prints tracked across my hardwood floors. And the zoomies? Let's just say my downstairs neighbor wasn't thrilled about a puppy launching himself off the couch at 7 AM.

After nine months of trial and error (and way too much money spent on products that didn't work), here are five things that genuinely made apartment dog life manageable. These aren't sponsored recommendations—they're things I actually use every day.

1. The Crate That Doesn't Scream "Dog Crate"

The problem: Traditional wire crates are ugly and eat up floor space. In a small apartment, a metal cage sitting in your living room makes the place feel even more cramped.

What worked: A furniture-style dog crate that doubles as an end table. Alfie's crate sits next to my couch and holds a lamp, books, and his favorite chew toys on top. Guests don't even realize it's a crate until Alfie walks into it.

Why it matters: Crate training is essential for apartment dogs (potty training, preventing destructive behavior when you're gone, giving them a safe space during loud hallway noise). But you don't need to sacrifice your living room aesthetic to do it.

I went with this furniture crate from Amazon because it's sturdy, the top holds weight, and the door opens from the side so it fits flush against the wall.

Pro tip: Put a soft bed or blanket inside and leave the door open during the day. Alfie chooses to nap in there even when he's not being crated—it's his den now.

2. Puzzle Toys That Actually Tire Him Out

The problem: Rainy days in an apartment = a bored, restless dog with nowhere to burn energy. Alfie would start chewing furniture, barking at nothing, or doing laps around the coffee table.

What worked: A set of puzzle feeders and a lick mat. I rotate them so he doesn't get bored, and each one buys me 15-30 minutes of peace.

Why it matters: Mental stimulation tires dogs out faster than physical exercise. A 20-minute puzzle session can be as effective as a 30-minute walk—critical when you're stuck inside or working from home.

I use this puzzle toy set for kibble or treats, and a silicone lick mat spread with peanut butter or plain Greek yogurt. On days when I have back-to-back meetings, I freeze the lick mat the night before—it lasts even longer.

Real talk: This saved my work-from-home sanity. Alfie used to bark during Zoom calls. Now he's quietly working on a puzzle in the corner.

3. A Collapsible Crate for Vet Visits and Overnight Trips

The problem: Alfie's furniture crate is too heavy to move. When we go to the vet, visit friends, or do weekend trips, I needed something portable that he'd still feel comfortable in.

What worked: A soft-sided collapsible crate that folds flat and weighs almost nothing. I keep it tucked behind my couch and can set it up in under a minute.

Why it matters: Apartment dogs go places. Whether it's the vet, a dog-friendly Airbnb, or a friend's house, having a familiar space for your dog reduces stress for both of you.

I bought this collapsible crate and it's been a lifesaver. Alfie recognizes it as "his space" even when we're somewhere new, which makes him way calmer.

Pro tip: Leave it set up in your apartment for a week before using it somewhere else. Let your dog explore it, nap in it, get comfortable. That way when you actually need it, they already associate it with safety.

4. The Dog Camera That Stopped Neighbor Complaints

The problem: Alfie barked every time someone walked past our door. I'd come home to angry texts from neighbors, and I had no idea what was setting him off or how often it was happening.

What worked: A Furbo dog camera with treat-tossing and two-way audio. Now I can see what's going on, talk to him through the app, and toss him a treat to redirect his attention.

Why it matters: In an apartment, you can't let barking spiral. It damages relationships with neighbors and can put your lease at risk. The Furbo helps me catch problems early and reward quiet behavior even when I'm not home.

I use the Furbo Dog Camera and honestly, it's paid for itself in avoided complaints. When I see him start to get restless, I toss a treat, say "good quiet," and he settles down.

Bonus: The barking alerts are actually useful. I learned Alfie barks most between 12-2 PM (when people are on lunch breaks and moving around the building). Now I make sure he gets extra exercise in the morning so he's tired during that window.

5. The Roomba That Handles Pet Hair and Muddy Paws

The problem: Dog hair. Everywhere. On the couch, under the bed, in corners I didn't even know existed. And every time it rained, Alfie tracked in mud no matter how much I wiped his paws.

What worked: My Roomba j7+ that vacuums, mops, and empties itself into a dock.

Why it matters: In a small space, mess is more noticeable. A little dog hair on the floor of a house is whatever. A little dog hair on 700 square feet of hardwood feels like a disaster.

The Roomba runs every morning after our walk. It picks up hair, mops up paw prints, and empties itself so I only have to deal with the dock bag once a month. I don't think about floors anymore.

Real talk: I debated the cost for weeks. It's expensive. But between the time saved and the mental relief of not seeing hair tumbleweeds every time I sit down, it's been worth it.

What Actually Matters

None of these products are magic. Alfie still barks sometimes. There's still dog hair in my life. I still have to walk him even when it's raining.

But these five things reduced the friction of apartment dog ownership enough that I'm not constantly stressed about space, noise, or mess. They turned "this is hard" into "this is manageable."

If you're considering getting a dog in an apartment—or you already have one and feel overwhelmed—start here. You don't need everything at once, but having the right tools makes a massive difference.

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