Very active dog who has torn up the (already
sparse) yard at my new (15 year old) house during the course of endless
frisbee and tennis ball chasing.

You might want to lay down concrete pavers that have an open grid pattern. The
dogs run on the concrete. The grass grows in the holes.

E.P. Henry Turf Pavers are one brand.
http://www.ephenry.com/store/product...120&pf%5Fid=tp

Wendy