With high-energy dogs and drought conditions, I’d definitely prioritize durable surfaces like pavers or decomposed granite and keep a defined path like this to handle traffic, then use hardy, low-water plants around the edges so they’re protected; the layout gives them room to move while still looking clean and designed, and maintenance becomes way easier, here’s a layout I’d go with https://app.neighborbrite.com/s/DSWu4Lk-J1j
