How to play?

Question

How would I get my dog to play? He's an obedient dog. But when me and my children want to play with him, he hides, or just lays there. He's submissive to me, and somewhat to my 2 kids. I want to be able to play tug of war with him, and take him outside and get him to fetch, or at least chase his toys. He runs around with me, and chases after me when I run-play, but it isn't the same. He's to big to play like that with my kids, and they are to slow.
I've run out of ideas to get him to play. He stopped chewing on his one toy, and wont' touch the squeeky toy. He acts like he's afraid of it. We squeek it, and he just looks at it.
He's almost 4 yrs, and has been an outside dog most of the time. I bring him in during the winter.
He used to play with my son. They would get on the floor and head butt each other, and my son would chase him around the room, pushing his head on the floor, and my dog would nip at his head, run around, and bump into him, normal dog play. Any ideas, or thoughts??

I rough him up, and it does no good. He thinks he's getting praised or punished. We can actually hit him, and he keeps asking for more. We want him to stay a tough dog, so when we praise him, or pet him, we're a little rough. We dont' beat him or anything!!
I need ideas on what to play. Because the regular dog games don't work.

But how would I play with him? He's fine physically. His breath doesn't even smell bad, most of the time. He's in almost perfect condition, and he plays with other animals, just not us.

I've tried lying on the floor, all he does is smell me, and lay on top of me, and try to go to sleep!!

Answer 1

I train my dogs to play with me by lying flat on the floor, call their names one by one, and wave at them to come to me. At first, they just stare. Then, they become curious. What is this? What am I doing on the floor? They're used to see me standing up or sitting down! Out of curiosity, they finally come to me, smell me all over, lick my face, and play with my hair. Now, when they see me lying flat on the floor, they run towards me and play with me.
I've had around 50 puppies and dogs since I was small, until now. This kind of play interests them. I find it very effective. And I find that dogs have the feeling of curiosity, after all.

Answer 2

Could be arthritis.
Could be his personality. Individual dogs find different things fun. Just like people. You got a "couch potato". Nothin' you can do.
Could be poor nutrition. Read the food label. If it contains corn, wheat, or anything you can't pronounce, consider switching brands.
Look into Innova, Wellness, Canidae and Artemis.
Good luck

Answer 3

You need to cheer him up, he needs reassurance that he can play. Rough up his coat a little, mess with him, let him know its alright to play.

Answer 4

you must see if his mouth is sore like teeth problem or a broken tooth. and play with him your self then the childern can play later once he get the hang off it.

Answer 5

just take it slow with him he will come around for sure when he is ready.