leave it on, flip up the outboard so the prop is out of the water for sure, tie a bridle to the bow on the dinghy so that its long enough to be aft of your stern wake, remove anything not tied down, tie or lock the outboard to the boat at all times especially when using it, check your dogs often, move the tank to the front of the dink if possible securing it there underway or remove it, pull it in prior to anchoring or mooring, teach your kids how to use it so you have a chaufeur and it empowers them giving them confidence...see my article in Cruising World Aug 2011 "Tips: Smooth Sailing on Charter"
Peace.