Maybe there is a PUPPY CLASS available in your dad's area to learn some basics. I've had two Poodles, and they are very smart, but they need to grow out of the puppy stage to really be able to concentrate. He could put up gates to keep them out of certain areas until they can focus more...
Ohhhh - thanks for that info. Yes we have several local dog people who can do puppy training....they only start them at 4 mos. But I didn't know if poodles need to be a LOT older before they start such training. Your info is good to know. Yes, well one reason he got a poodle is because he knew some people who owned them and they just went on and on about how smart their poodle was and what good company....and that they don't shed as much and/or were sort of hypoallergenic. Anyway, he has loved the puppy so much - loves the long walks with him and when he was littler he would just nestle in his lap (doesn't do that anymore so Daddy has a big pillow bed for him and he LOVES to run and go plop on that pillow!)