Agree that a small outdoor area given over to large dogs in particular = equivalent to zoo exhibit. In other words the impacts from the dogs will dominate how it looks (and smells), how it will have to be managed. Regarding the neighbor the natural choice for a screening planting in your climate and soil conditions is western redcedar (Thuja plicata). With there being an existing landmark sized example visible in the distance, just to the right of your house. And maybe a grouping of currently smaller ones over the fence, behind the two broadleaf trees. Such an installation can be sheared to control size once the desired level of privacy is acheived. As long as the lower sides are kept wider than the upper half, so as to prevent the upper shading the lower too much and making it become thin looking. This is how it usually is with plant choices for hedging and screening - the fast growing ones that provide the desired effect with any level of quickness are also large growing, genetically programmed to grow vastly bigger in time than the typical modern planting site. And the comparatively small growing and naturally tidy kinds often need decades to reach even human head height level.

Looks like you have a fairly limited amount of yard space. In order to gain privacy, need to extend screening above fence with small tree forms made of large shrubs. Tree form so the plants do not overwhelm the yard space by occupying it completely. Underplant below with low groundcover and something for color interest. The space is so small, I'd get rid of grass and have groundcover below only.

Tiny yard! I think I might dispose of the deck/porch and use a small landing with steps coming straight out from the door. That will open more area for a grilling/patio spot close to the house. A small pergola left of the red garage door could cover a workout area. Then the remainder of the maple tree side can accommodate the firepit section.

im going to presume the you did not create this .. but if you did its brilliant.. lol .. but.. the genius who put in the brickwork should have insisted that the owner remove the dam bush that was probably there before he did the project.. the brickwork would have been so sublime.. and then the bush wouldnt have died leaving this ugly irregular blog of dirt .. is there any chance you have spare brick and could fill it in??? theres a good chance.. all the ground work for the patio.. destroyed the roots of what was there.. and then all the brick baked it into oblivion with no roots to support its water needs .... if only the brick layer as a plantsman.. he would have been able to explain that ... but im speculating. .. i wish the pic was a bit further back.. if its all blinding white plastic fence.. i would put in some vines.. like morning glory for this year.... and clematis for long term ... or other options depend on location ...big city name please.. forgive me if i missed it above ... [i see cape cod on reread so all the very fragrant tropical stuff is out ]... lets soften all that white .. with some greenery ... and to clarify and repeat.. watering will be hard in this spot.. the sun will beat down on all the brick. .and late into the night and early morning.. the brick will stay warm/hot.. that means you will need to water very often.. or pick plants that love that type of heat and dryness.. once fully established.. no matter what you plant.. until it can grow a mature root mass.. you will have to supply the requisite water ... [whatever hot is for cape cod in august.. lol...]... ken