Even if a turf lawn is small, it can add a great deal of beauty as a setting for other plantings. Keeping it "relatively" small can make it do-able. Confining it to a central location in the back yard is where it might give the most bang for the buck... being the "white space" for the plantings closer to the perimeter. (I can't speak to what greyhounds might do to it since I have no experience with them. Do they like to tear directly across open space, or use the perimeter like an oval track? The latter could be to your advantage insofar as turf goes.) An oval shape seems like it would fit the back yard nicely and if it was a pronounced, distinct, perfect shape, it could add a feeling of strength and organization to the overall design of the yard. Since the back lot line has low trees already, beefing them up with Palo Verde or Mesquite, so as not to see buildings beyond, seems like a good goal. I agree that neighbors could not expect that you wouldn't plant trees or that you would assume responsibility for their view. (When was the last time you thought about asking anyone to alter a tree on their private property to suit your needs? Where your trees cross the property line into neighboring yards, it's the case that they own the crossing portion and can do with it as they please. It might sound like be a harsh legal reality, but plantings at yard perimeters that provide some privacy or shade USUALLY work to the advantage of both parties. Usually it's not much of a problem.) Combining some views-below-canopies with privacy, where needed, seems like it would be easily workable. Along the cul-de-sac area, you might consider breaking up the run of wall with small groupings of small tree-form shrubs with open space between the groupings. Where I live, freestanding walls and fences are frequently treated by placing a lower hedge to run alongside them. To my thinking this is a complete waste of material and effort. It does nothing to interrupt the boredom of the wall length. Just like how periodic columns add interest to a plain brick wall, periodic plantings that exceed the height of the wall add visual interest. Large flowering shrubs make good small trees for this purpose. Grouped tightly in 3s, they also add depth to the planting. As pointed out, the TYPE of thorns that plants have make much difference. I would not think thorns on TREES would make much difference (in general) to people or pets as the thorns could easily be placed overhead and out of reach. Plants without thorns can be placed at lower levels. And in some cases with certain plants, thorns that are highly visible and obvious may be acceptable. The patio area is somewhat like a stage positioned to play to a 180* view. Of course, the actual viewing occurs in the opposite direction of what it would in a theater. Here, the audience sits on the stage and views the "theater seating" area, which is the back yard. After you determine the actual square footage of additional patio needed, you might consider making its distant edge to be arranged in a semi-circular, octagonal or similar, bay-window-ish shape so as to "play" to the rest of the back yard. It would need to fit with lawn shape. Setting small groups of trees to both sides (not between "stage" and "seating") could provide shade and maintain an unobstructed view to the lawn and remainder of back yard. Trees selected for what their canopy could become (as it relates to patio and house) would be important. The discussion of wall heights surrounding the back yard can be confusing. As you refine your ideas you might submit a revised plan for the wall that only indicates what portion of the wall is ABOVE your back yard grade... as that's what really matters from back yard viewpoint. Also, for discussion purposes, I suggest that it would be easier (especially since your house is set at a diagonal to cardinal directions) to refer to right/left/fore and aft--as one would view the yard from standing at the street facing the house--as opposed to NE/SW/SE/NW, as those require one to memorize the directions or to go back and look at a previous drawing. Right, left, fore and aft is easier.

I don't have suggestions for plants but diluting the urine by hosing down the plant/shrub as soon as the dog has completed its business is one of the fastest and easiest solutions to plants getting "burned". So, if you are there when you let your dogs out to do their business and can wash down the plants they should recover. If that's not possible you might try placing some items in your garden that they might find more attractive ie driftwood sculpture, upright garden decorations like pylons, etc. There was a big thread about dog urine and lawn care that I've attached for you. Good Luck. btw, an airedale/lab mix sounds wonderful. Here is a link that might be useful: dog urine thread

Okay, you probably totally saw this coming... especially from me, lol... but I really really really like that used stadium turf idea! (And with the markings, too??? GET OUT!!! :-D ) As for chickens, it depends on what kind of dog owner you are, to be honest. If you're the alpha in your home, you claim the chickens as yours, and they won't be touched (or they'll only be touched once). My sister does it. And it's only the "new arrivals" she has problems with. She also has bunnies, cats, a rooster, some horses, and her dogs (all mutts, with Golden Retriever, Shepherd/Cattle, Hound, and Pit mixes) leave everything alone.

none of what you want is a cheap undertaking! But what the heck! why not call in a landscape designer? show him/her the pics that celery did. tell him you want something like that w/a pathway and designated front yard. what you need is some professional grading. (the people over in Landscape Design/ Garden dilemmas) could help you a lot better w/ideas. Maybe DigDoug will draw something up for you. he is a genius. over by the sunken in portion (which is fine. is it a cement slab? did you know you can paint and stencil that to look like tile? ) I'd get the yard graded so that it's flat and easy to walk around. I'm sure you could have drainage installed. then redo the deck w/some stairs that lead down to the patio. have a spa area, porch w/a swing, some chairs, a kitchen, tv, whatever you need. look into the grading option and landscape design. this is cement slab, painted and stenciled. tons of DIY's online (Royal Design STudio stencils, or Cutting Edge Stencils all have tutorials) you could even do a 'rug' and paint the surrounding slab a solid color