Yes rats are more likely to come out at night, the dogs and children are not a problem, they just need to make sure that the poisons are placed underground or in a place inaccessible to the dog and children, due to a taste deterrent in the poison (Bitrex) a child would spit it out very promptly, the same is true for most dogs but not always, either way they need to be kept away. once sufficient rat poison has been placed, the problem should be sorted with 10 days. then you can fill your hole on your side.