My dog’s a bit like this. The breed’s definitely not for retrieving, so when he brings me something it’s to play tug with it, or he’s gifting it to me or just really happy and showing me. I have to be careful with his body language because if I throw something instead of praising him or showing interest, I can tell he gets confused and sad, like he failed me. But if I seem happy and interested, hell trot off with a spring in his step either leaving the “gift” with me, or still with it in his mouth happy that I think it’s cool too.

Meanwhile, my terrier mix: come on, throw it. Throw the toy. I want you to throw it. Throw it. Come on just throw it. HERE it’s in your hand now, so THROW IT

and he will start waving his paw around like he’s making a petting motion, posed in a “I’m ready to run” stance.

Also he has managed to figure out if he holds a toy under one paw, and smacks it to the opposite side with his other paw, he can fling it up to 10ft, but usually just does it to toss it at our faces if we don’t throw it quick enough.

Maybe the person is just clumsy

No throw, only take?

My dog solved this issue by fetching the ball, laying down at least 10 meters away from me and guard the ball if we attempt to retrieve it.

She’s not a very playful dog.