@doawk1993 This is quite typical of livestock guardian dogs. They are not retrievers and probably do not have a great capacity for the usual domesticated dog games that love to play tug, fetch etc.
I had a livestock guardian dog for 16 years. He retrieved a ball once and when I threw it again, he sat down and looked at me with an expression like, 'no, I don't do that..' and he never did again despite all the coaxing and training I tried.
My dog liked one on one interactions like playing hand on hand on the floor. I'd place my hand on the floor and he'd put his massive paw over mine and then I'd put my hand on top and so on. That was a big win for me with my dog.
My dog loved his walks, loved snuggling up to me and love being patted and made a fuss of. He loved being brushed and being adored. But games such as retrieving - no.
I managed a few simple commands like sit, lay-down and come. When he was young he'd get the zoomies which were amazing and occasionally he'd play catch me if you can outside....
I think you will find there will be some games he will take to - but I honestly think his genes are probably starting to kick in at this age and he may be showing tendencies to lay-down and watch and listen in a serene, reclined position - to make sure his humans are okay (and that is his best fun game).
This doesn't mean to say that you cannot interact with him and have a loving and close relationship with your dog but perhaps do the research on livestock guardian dogs and you will see that they just like hanging around you. Certainly not like many other domesticated breeds that are actually genetically bred for retrieving etc.
I would research training your dog for crate training - which is a slow progressive training regime and should be done over a long period. This is a skill that can be turned into a game and may assist when you need to take him to the vet for a stay, boarding or even if your home environment is unsuitable for him for a short periods - like visitors coming over and things not being done the way you want your dog to experience them.
I think an important skill and knowledge to keep at the back of your mind is that if you have someone come to visit who is not going to be a friend - like a tradesman or similar - do not allow them to interact with the dog. Keep the dog with you and do not allow that kind of visitor to make friends with the dog at all.
This will ensure that your dog understands some people are not allowed over the threshold without your allowing them to enter and it may reduce or eliminate any misunderstandings on their and your dog's behalf going forward. This is their primary role, making sure that their 'herd' are safe so you can harness this by letting them know who is allowed to enter the hers (your family's domain) and who must either not be allowed or must come in under your supervision.
Edited to add - the squeaky toys would have raised your dog's interest due to the distress noise -but when it learned that it was not in distress and not edible - end of game.
