Best way to use shale rocks for pathways

So our new property is filled with rock, mostly shale, the previous owner made all pathways covered in gravel, we don't like that, our dogs don't like that. We will use gravel when need be for our roads, but for paths we would like to use rock. In the past, I've done pavers with ground cover in between, but the maintenance is high. So we have been looking at rock on a sand base with a concrete mortar. Does anyone have any better ideas that are low maintenance, and won't hurt our dogs paws? I thought that living out here would be good for the dogs, but honestly it's been a nightmare.

If you put in some edging to contain it, using packed sand under the stone, and (clean sifted) sand between the stones should work. cover the stones in sand, wet them slightly with a sprayer and use a wide broom to push it into the cracks. Repeat as necessary.
I've used beach sand in the past and the residual salt was great for preventing weeds... just be sure to keep it out of food growing soil areas!