Yards for dogs

I garden for a living and one of my customers has 2 sweet dogs. The goal is a beautiful yard for people that is dog friendly. They are lively young female boxers. What conditions do dogs need and like? Do dog doolies work? Is straw as a mulch a good idea to prevent mud tracking in the house? What plants would be good to have around and which should be avoided? Help me create a wonderful environment for "the girls" that people, and 2 young children, will enjoy.