Moto Uses His Noggin

This dog continues to astound me with his problem-solving abilities. He really, really loves to think which makes teaching complicated tasks delightful. For go-outs I've been using a square made out of PVC. It worked but at Obedience Camp Gary pointed out it may be too big. After looking at Moto's long back he conceded that my square may be the only alternative. We've been working on spinning and in addition he understands going to the square that I call "Place".
At last weekend's Topeka dog show there were some extremely sturdy mats on sale and one smaller one beckoned to me to be Moto's new "Place". It would really take some work to make a tight turn and sit and he would have to work to keep his long body on it.
Since it was completely different Moto did not understand the exercise (which was fine) and I lured him with food. It was a lot of work getting him to turn and sit and remain on the mat. But, after a few times he caught on and he figured it out! What fun to watch him work it out and turn and sit on his mat. When he does something right he wiggles all over with pride which is too adorable. That's how we ended our training this morning. We also did some picky training stuff - staying in heel with a change of pace (easy at home, needs work in other places) pivots with attention, front drills. It's coming but I will need to continue to take him out to other places as I am not getting the same results as when we are home.
Today: herding! Since he turned on I am excited about going. If this trend continues we'll enter some instinct tests in the fall - what fun!