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I have a little outdoor pond I'mm thinking of using for some RES's I'm getting from a friend. My dogs are also in the fenced in yard, and they are known for getting in the pond to cool off.
Would I be just better set keeping them inside in a tank? They're about 3".

Better keep them in a tank. So many vets will tell stories of turtles that have been chewed by dogs it would make your hair stand on end. At 3" they probably wouldn't even survive to go to the vet's.

What you could do is take them out occasionally to swim in the pond and enjoy the sun. You would have to be there to watch them the whole time though. If there is any way the turtles can climb out of the pond - believe me they will, so you'll have to be especially watchful to see they don't escape.

I second that opinion. Dogs aren't the only preditors either. Not sure where you live, but racoons are found about everywhere and they can do damage too.

Other factors are important when considering an outside habitat. Like SpotsMama said, your turts can escape. Also, what kind of weather do you have in the winter? If it get cool, or downright frigid, then accomodations will need to be made for them then anyway.

I'm in NC, so the weather wouldn't be too bad. I was planning on bringing them in for the cold months. I may make some sort of outdoor system just for them in a safe area out of one of the farm tubs I've seen here.
Thanks for the answers, looking forward to getting them aboard.