If there is a garage perhaps the dog could have his crate out there with a blanket over it and be warm enough. That way he wouldn't be in the house when you aren't around. When you are home you could keep the dog tethered to you, which would keep him out of everyone's way and avoid trouble. If he makes a move for the trash while you are in the kitchen you could correct him with the leash.
Perhaps he can be off lead when no one is home, but when the troops come home from work leash him up. If folks want to know why the dog is on the leash in the house just tell them you read about a new way of training. Keep some little treats in your pocket and keep the dog's attention on you and make him mind. If folks are annoyed, take the dog for a short walk and put him away in his crate. This way the dog becomes your job, he gets trained, no one gets in trouble.
This way of training will forge a tremendous bond between you and the dog. You can show the dog the ropes of the house and your father in law may actually be impressed when he sees a well trained dog in his home.

Just a suggestion for the trash issue which has helped me with rescues and my own. Take a paper towel or two and saturate it with white vinegar, lay it on top of the trash bag or trash, (make sure it is all covered) re saturate it if needed. Once they smell or taste white vinegar they usually don't go back for seconds.

Getting in the trash is in the same category as peeing on the floor.
If they aren't given the chance to do it...they wont. They can't be left alone in the house if the trash is an issue.

Totally agree, but if they've already learned to do it and even with humans present... the vinegar is an easy way to keep them away from trash.

Thank you for the vinegar suggestion. Also, I definitely agree about the e-collar, no one but me would be allowed to use it. We did go back through groundwork when we moved in. I think the e-collar would help get him to the next level of obedience that would impress everyone. Does anyone know if the one that is on sale right now is good for a beginner? I have done a bit of research already but definitely need the DVD with it.

Have you been marker training? If not, can you tell us how you've been training?

The e-collar as an aversive (to correct) is not a teaching method. That is, training and proofing come before any kind of correction for non-compliance.

As mentioned in many posts above, training happens way before corrections are used.

I'm worried that perhaps there is a misconception that the e-collar is a tool for teaching the dog commands, and I'm even more concerned with this dog who has been unfairly repeatedly corrected (not even the right word for hitting and smacking "until he does what is wanted") already.

It would be great if we could talk about some of these points. All JMO! I'm seriously worried about turning this dog into one who fears humans.

What groundwork do you mean? Pack structure?

Yeah, we have been doing marker training. I have watched the free Michael Ellis videos and have the Basic Dog Obedience DVD. The dog is very engaged with me. He does know basic commands and listens to me well. If I do give a correction he recovers very quickly.

He used to be a leash puller, luckily we got past that before I got pregnant. I use a prong collar and he gets excited when he sees it because he knows he will get to go somewhere. He used to be dog aggressive too and now I would just call him dog reactive. We have come a long way together since I got him. I was able to take him to a vet clinic at a pet store where there were a decent amount of other dogs. He only got a little antsy when one dog started freaking out on him (barking crazily from a distance).

I have had him for three years and we have a great relationship. For groundwork, I meant the no freedom until earned. I only plan on using a very low level on the e-collar. I want to test it on myself first to make sure I am completely comfortable with it.

 Quote: Steph Schneider

..... I only plan on using a very low level on the e-collar. I want to test it on myself first to make sure I am completely comfortable with it.

I would strongly reccomend against this. There is no reason to risk your baby's health to test out an e-collar. JMHO but I'm pretty sure your Dr would also discourage it for a long list of reasons.

You don't need to put it on yourself first Steph. That doesnt really serve any purpose. Its easy enough to figure out what setting will work for him. There's two things I would say though.

One, unless your Bart Bellon with the right dog, the odds are impressive obedience isnt going to come from the ecollar.

Two, timing is where I think its easiest to make mistakes with an ecollar. Low level or not.

Well said Steve! I know they can be a great tool, but in many situations I see no use for them. JMO.