A picture is worth a thousand words. Also, it is helpful to say which area of the country.

Thank you! I added the location but it doesn't let me post a picture. I will add a link to a video that shows the area in its totality

Add the photos in the comments. At the bottom of the comment box is a camera shaped button. Use that and wait until the grayed out image gains full color. if possible don’t use the photo at full resolution; reduce it to medium or large size if given the option.

My internet is too slow to view video but I can upload photos if I reduce the resolution.

I’m sorry to say there is no real true budget way to address this unless you completely DIY and with materials it’s still expensive. I’d suggest thinking about phases and biting it off in small chunks. A combination of concrete pad or large pavers under seating areas and to create walkways….maybe some faux grass and planted areas with rocks to discourage digging. But this is really best left to the pros - at least to pay for a plan from a landscape architect. Your yard water runoff and site prep being the key to the long term success.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-san-francisco-living-contemporary-landscape-san-francisco-phvw-vp~1609556

Dogs can be challenging to landscape around. For the short term I would likely do something relatively cheap and simple to reduce the sand coming into the house such as relatively smooth-textured woodchips in the areas where the dogs spend most of their time. I would also create a good-sized landing of inexpensive patio block at the base of the steps so that much of the material the dogs’ feet pick up gets shed as they cross that and come up the steps. Plan to sweep the area frequently, and if needed keep old towels by the back door to do a quick rub down each time they come in the house.. Then start saving up for a plan and materials that fit your budget and will give you a longer term solution.

That looks like Bahia grass which never gets lush. It has the advantage of needing little water but it certainly gets sparse. We were told it is “ pasture grass”. It does survive drought because its roots are very deep. You will need hardscaping in the form of a poured concrete patio or pavers or brick set in sand ( I know! Sand!)

I agree with Chris’ suggestion. I had to do some quick and cheap fix ups for an appraisal. The area around the utilitarian looking RV shelter over the parking pad made it look out of place and the grass around it just looked patchy and scruffy.

My crew and I measured and marked the grassy area then used pegs and string to make a guide to dig around the concrete pad. I used cheap tarps from the hardware or dollar store and cut them to fit a 4 inch depth but you may want it deeper depending if the dogs want to dig.

Dig up the area making sure the cuts I into the sod are straight — I used an edger tool (also one of my best investments for keeping things tidy) to cut along the string guide lines. Lay the tarps down and contact a local gravel yard directly because they are usually cheapest. They may be able to deliver but they will also help calculate how much you’ll need. You’ll measure depth x width x length for yardage of gravel but get Chris’ recommendation 3/4” is nice and easy on the pups paws.

Once its down you can rake it into the area and it’s going to be awesome until you afford to get pavers or concrete or bricks. Good luck…PS also think about a covered porch on a larger landing so you have a good resting area for when the dogs and people come in from outside fun.