How do I create a dog-friendly, low maintenance garden?

A bit unsure what you are asking for...do you want an area for your garden where the dogs can't go in?

Well, either put up a fence or tether you dogs.

What do you want? Are the dogs trained? I have 6 dogs in my yard and still have flower and shrub beds. What zone are you In?

I have raised garden boxes that I only plant tomatoes in. I use black landscaping fabric over the dirt secured with the tomato cages and lath strips screwed on to the edges of the boxes. My dogs leave those alone. Very little maintenance. As for my flower gardens, I have many perennials planted, with different varieties that give me flowers all summer as they flower at different times. The flower gardens are heavily mulched and I have push in fencing that keeps the dogs out--even the big dogs.

You train the dogs to stay out of areas you don't want them in/or fence off area. Are you wanting veggie garden? Ornamental? you can plant in lrg containers; Shady area? Sunny? is it dry/wet? Where do you live? Are you asking about keeping mud,dirt out of yard. Gardens require maintenance.... need some more input to really help you

When we were faced with a similar dilemma, we drove to the nearest shopping center and looked at what they planted. Great plan!