The hope is that the dog will assist with diversion for the kids, as well as an extra layer of security for me when hub must be away working. And it's the dog my hubby has been wanting for years. :-)
I'm honestly not too worried about the kids and the small space. Our ideal is for LOTS of outdoor time as long as the weather is decent - and really I think this will work better for all of us than our current life. Big house, no fenced yard per HOA...keeping it clean and maintained and doing endless laundry and dishes...we are inside (and stir crazy) way, way more than any of us like. Small house, live outside as much as we can, lots of fresh air and new places to explore. I think it will be great!