I am sorry the class did not go as well as you wanted. Zekes behaviour at his first class to me is very normal, he was surrounded by new smells, dogs and people and just wanted to voice his opinion and check things out. Obedience classes sounds like a great idea, it helps to build up some team work skills and also it will teach Zeke to work with distractions.

I hope the next class go better for you . As for the motivator keep up with the rope toy bring it out every now and then at home and show Zeke what you have jump around and act like it is the best thing in the world (Dont let him touch it just let him watch). Then put the rope toy away without a fuss (Without Zeke playing with it for the first week or so) by the time you get back to your next class Zeke should (He may or may not) show an interest in this great toy his Mum has been playing with. (That was probably confusing)

Goodluck for your next class.