Tracking great, Obedience just OK

First the tracking which was really exciting! As you know the weather is GORGEOUS, and I couldn't resist taking Moto out for a nice tracking lesson. I took him to Jesse James Park here in Kearney. While some of it is mowed fields, a lot of it is still left natural and is perfect for tracking. I drove to an area we hadn't been in before and began walking. As I made my first corner I was getting excited as the terrain was really challenging, yet would be a lot of fun. It went from trampled grass past a small burn area, a steep drop-off along a creek, brushy areas and I was really excited. But then when I reached for more hot dogs I realized I'd dropped them somewhere! I couldn't find them anywhere and had only made two turns. Had to end the track right there so down went the glove and I walked back to the car.We aged it about 20 minutes and set off. Moto started off at his usual fast trot but as the terrain changed he became very thoughtful and deliberate. His first turn was absolutely gorgeous. Working slowly but steadily he plowed through the deep grass, head down. As we rounded the 2nd corner (again, perfectly) he suddenly downed....there was the bag of hot dogs! GOOD BOY! We had about 25 more paces to the glove which he nailed. So not only was it a great tracking session, he actually found something I had lost! OK, OK, it was really stinky but he did indicate and waited to get the treats inside the bag!
So that was yesterday. Monday I started Moto on articles. He had no problem being introduced to metal. All went fine until he had to retrieve it. I guess in his mind since it was different from his "regular" dumbbell, he didn't have to do it. Unfortunately I had to use compulsion (ear pinch) to convince him to get it. I was hoping articles would be FUN but this is not such a good start *sigh*. So, just did the retrieve several times with lots of praise and that was the end. On Tuesday was also our obedience lesson and he was fine there, however had some differences of opinion with my teacher. He's great and so patient and doesn't take things personally. I'm very grateful for that. It's very touchy as it's a group class and I don't want to sound "uppity" but there's some things I just don't agree with - how to say it tactfully without sounding disrespectful? That's the line I walk.
I'm hoping we can see sheep this weekend. Shiloh desperately needs a job. I think our agility classes will begin in a few weeks, what a relief. Poor guy has been going stir-crazy.