Dog handlers discover 'untrainable' German Shepherd only understands orders in Polish

Chris Baynes16 June 2017

A rescue centre is searching for a new home for a dog that can only understand Polish.

Caleb, a four-year-old German Shepherd, was thought to be "untrainable" because he could not follow basic commands.

But staff at the Dogs Trust shelter in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, eventually realised he was being held back by a language barrier.

They are now appealing for a Polish-speaking owner to take in the homeless hound.

Caleb can only understand Polish
Dogs Trust

Sandra Foulds, the centre's manager, said: "When Caleb first arrived, we thought that his lack of response to training commands was due to a change in his environment and him adjusting to life in kennels.

"But once we figured out it was the language barrier holding him back, there’s no stopping him when he’s being spoken to in Polish and he’s really keen to show off his tricks."

Caleb can do tricks - only reacts to Polish commands
Dogs Trust

Staff realised the problem after they discovered Caleb had been dropped off by Polish owners, who could no longer look after him, three months ago.

They asked Polish visitor, Mariusz Budz, who was adopting another dog, to spend some time with the German Shepherd and try out some basic commands in his native tongue to see if could understand.

Within seconds he was performing a range of tricks.

Video footage shows him responding to Polish words for "sit", "stay" and "paw" but completely ignoring them in English.

Caleb is looking for a new home
Dogs Trust

His grasp of English commands is now improving, but he still reacts much better to Polish.

Ms Foulds said: "Caleb is an adorable boy and loves toys. He enjoys the company of people and will happily play with you if you have a ball.

"Like all our dogs when they become ready to find new families, we want Caleb to go to a loving home – although in this case, it would be a bonus if they can speak Polish."

Caleb with canine carer Jess Murphy
Dogs Trust

Caleb can live with teenagers aged over 14 and would best suited to being the only dog in his home.

Anyone interesting in rehoming him can call 0300 303 0292 or visit the centre in Honiley.

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