[poohbearsmom]

First of all, the teacher should not have handled the "down" in that manner.

There are other, less confrontational, less conflicting ways to teach a down, and your instructor obviously does not think outside the box.

Secondly, it sounds like a "zoo" and not a class, if all the puppies are running around with each other.

I would not take my dog back to this instructor.

Research working dog trainers in your area, please, and seek someone who is well versed in operant conditioning techniques.