The last thing I want to do is defend her because I am one MILLION percent against people getting puppies in lockdown (in most scenarios). But the odd hour at daycare once or twice a week is a great thing for them to learn how to act around other dogs, and could prevent a lot of issues with them as they get older.
I do wonder if she dumps them in a boarding kennel environment (like the place I worked at as a teenager, where they're all left to do their own thing without dogs they dont know ... ) or something that is more like a home boarder where they'll get plenty of individual staff attention and spend time with other dogs. I hope its the second.
However, I am 100% against dumping them there every single day for multiple hours like she seems to be doing.
I got a puppy during lockdown, in November. I think you’ve got to be careful not to tar everyone with the same brush. We had always planned to get a second dog, our other is 6 now and has always loved the company of other dogs. We took veterinary advice (I work in animal welfare, so spoke to some of our vets) and researched breeds based on good health and suitability, not because I like how a certain breed looks. We use a doggy daycare once a week, they have a full day there (oldest has gone for years and pup was on half days until this week) where they social with other dogs, and are watched constantly, but this is 100% a good idea.
When it’s been safe and legal I have rented a secure field to socialise pup with friends pup to help them develop. We also take them to a built up area for Walks a couple of times a week so pup meets other dogs/people. (I live very rural)
Not everyone deciding to get a puppy is a total idiot and rehoming waiting to happen.
the things you should be critiquing are;
using dogs for content
Not getting puppies during a pandemic but getting them before they were prepared in the house.
Picking a breed purely for ‘aesthetic’ reasons.
Locking them in a room all day and night alone
Not toilet training
Using a spray bottle on them
Feeding them a terrible diet
Not walking them several times a day like they need
Giving treats when they jump up and rewarding poor behaviour
Not walking and training them separately
the daycare is actually about the only thing she’s done right.