Thank you for your reply Linda. Yeah i think he is a pretty handsome boy myself. I send his Photograph to an artist and had him painted. My fiancee just rolled his eyes and said i would never spend that much money on him. I`m afraid he is right <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Christine,
Well that was $$$ well spent! Between my dog and my horse, they both live better than I do. The funny thing is, my family is always laughing saying...."Poor Bill" (the husband) He says he knows he is #3, lol <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Linda

Spending more money on the dogs than on people! Heh, I'm guilty of that as well. My boyfriend is understanding, but I tend to find myself telling him all the time he's allowed to have an expensive hobby too...

My first GSD was a crazy girl. We used to tease her (3 adult children & my Dad), and wrestle hand to teeth combat. I've never gotten my rescue dogs to do that. I was always dissappointed with my dog Zandor because he has 0 play drive. Now that I started training him (clicker style, no clicker) he's turning out to be really fun. Sooo... if your dog really has no play drive, teach him tricks, or obedience in a fun way. Make up games. You can teach that bringing a ball = food, and then start throwing the ball further. Zandor gets all sparkly and bouncy when I train now, so accepting him as he is has brought out his drive (he's 11).
Dynamo is my other dog, and she won't wrestle either. But, dangling a tug just out of reach, teasing her with it, works most of the time. Fake chasing, running away, acting like a dog can work too, but just be carefull you don't overwhelm your dog. Be creative, but back off quick. Tease, tempt, and tease with toys. You could try just running away, zig zag style too. Get him chasing you.
What I'm saying, is that my two dogs have the same problem you complain of, but getting them going takes different tactics. Experiment. It may take time to recover from his abuse. He may be trying to keep a submissive profile in a a bid to be a 'good fit'. Play requires at least fake dominance, and fake aggression. He probably just doesn't want to risk it.
Yours is STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS! Lucky you.