Holy Terror

I have inherited my father's dog, Joe, for the time being. I can see if my father is not able to resume his life as it was before a broken hip that I will assume ownership. He could not be a better passenger in a vehicle. He's not hyper and shows little interest in the outside world. He doesn't snap at my fingers when I offer him food. He will even sit and shake on command but that is about it.
In all other aspects, he is a holy terror. I understand he is not used to being inside a home. He is an outside dog and only had access to the basement and garage at my father's home. But he can't really stay outside with my girls going in and out. Plus it is too darn hot here and I don't have the shade like at my father's place. As a result, I let him come in and out. I know I can't let him in the living area without close supervision. I stepped out of the room over the weekend and he devoured the remote for the receiver and DVD player. I was livid! He is long legged and can reach almost to the top of the refrigerator. He's pulled everything he can down and out the pet door. This morning he unrolled a roll of paper towels and all the precious pets proceeded to shred.
How can I start to break him of all these bad habits without hating him in the process? He is getting along better with Lucy and Sable and by that I mean he's not as aggressive when it comes to playing but he is still a source of contention. In addition, my life with my girls is disrupted. I can't be with them as much as before. They have lost liberties as well.
Think of me during this time of great STRESS!