ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

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.

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."

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.

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 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.