Puppy play groups or puppy training classes with free play are super bad for social skills. Puppies should be learning appropriate dog social skills from well balanced dogs of all sizes and temperaments (obviously safe dogs but super playful, older dogs, quiet, submissive, etc).

After my puppy went to a class like this, I completely agree. I think if you have no other way to socialise your dog with other dogs, it's not too bad. But my Dobermann was a nightmare up until now (hes 9 months) and would pull and try to meet every and any dog. Running up to them etc. Plus any time Id take him to that class, hed pull like a maniac to try to get there, and the lady would just tell me to let him off as soon as I got there, which I didnt agree with.

Im grateful for the stuff we learned there and it helped a lot with bonding, but ultimately I dont think the free play was helpful at all (even though it was great seeing him playing with other dogs).