Distressed timber finishes are done (when done by hand) with lengths of chain, saw blades, lumps of concrete and anything else heavy and textured that can be dropped on the timber with sufficient force to dent it.
Paint, stain, wax or even permanent markers can be used to create the dark tones in the distressed area (will depend on what your floor is finished with...if it's poly, you may need to start again).
If its already got issues with its appearance. and you've never done timber distressing before, it may work out easier to cover some areas with vinyl flooring (lets face it, the dog is not going to stop scratching up the floor) and go back to carpet!!