UK dog handlers discover 'untrainable' dog only understands orders in Polish

A rescue centre is on the lookout for a a new home for a canine that is lost in translation in England as he only understands the Polish language, according to The Evening Standard.

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, finally 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.

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," she added.

"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."

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 an array of tricks.

Video footage shows him responding to Polish words for sit, stay and paw but completely ignoring the very same commands in English.

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

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," she added.

"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."