what kind would you recomend?

I DONT KNOW. But I think puppy is the best for your children. they are gonna have a real fun with. and I think this poppy will get older and gets along with your children. wish you the best

I think you should go to the local shelter or rescue and have a look around, ask the staff to pick out suitable dogs for your situation. I can imagine some shelters would turn you down cause you have such young children though and not a fenced in yard, but I really don't know what their rules are like. It's completely different here where I live. But I do hope you realize just how much work it is to have a dog, even an adult one that comes already trained. It sounds to me like you have more than enough on your hands without a dog that will need to be walked, socialized and played with at least a few times daily. As for the letting the dog outside without being tied up, that's a training issue. Most dogs can be trained to stay in the yard, but I know there are some that can't be (like my dog). It's possible you'll find a dog that is already trained and won't leave the yard but personally I wouldn't trust any dog outside alone if the yard is not fenced. Dogs aren't supposed to be outside alone anyway, there are too many things that can happen and you are after all responsible for whatever damage your dog causes. For all you know, he could get stolen (and dog thefts do happen everywhere). It's just way too risky IMO.

Well id say just ask alot of questions and try and get one that is older so you can know there personality. Breed doesnt always matter its all about how they were raised when looking at an older dog. Ive got a mixed breed and hes great. Very well behaved and does not run away at all.

I like collies and german shepards. I had a mix of those. Now i have a beagle and hes really sweet and fun. My friend has a pameranian(i hope i spelled that right) they cost more put they are very playful and nice.

I have a 7 month old and We also want a dog very badly I love yorkies and from my experience with them they are good with kids. Of course feel free to look more into it. Also for bigger dogs labs, and golden retreivers are heard to be good to kids.

honestly.. regardles of the age or the breed, unless you get very lucky.. itll still be like yer adding another toddler to the mix. you really cant just get a dog, and toss it food a couple times a day and thats it. they need attention and play and in bad weather.. to be inside. once inside, thats when the fun begins. you get to go outside in this horrible weather while waiting for him/her to do their business.. and if you dont.. youll be cleaning it off yer floors. in addition to cleaning up the packages they leave you on a regular basis. theres the broken, chewed on drooled on possessions to also contend with, not to mention the hair clean-up from all the shedding, and the possibles of fleas, ticks, etc. so unless yer truly prepared to handle all there is to the caring for a mutt.. in addition to all you already have to do with 4 children all under the age of 5? id witll yer kids are a bit older nd can share in the responsibles of it with you.