Golden Retriever Was Jealous of Dalmatian Puppy… Until THIS Changed Everything
When Michelle Gomez brought home a new Dalmatian puppy named Eiger, her Golden Retriever, Rex, didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat.
“So when we brought Eiger home, Rex was not having it,” Michelle recalls. “He started acting like a jealous brother. He wanted to sit in our laps, he started crying a lot—things he never used to do. It was interesting to see because you think of jealousy as a human behavior, but seeing it play out in a dog was eye-opening.” (Watch Video Above)
Despite the rocky introduction, Michelle and her boyfriend were determined to give Rex a companion. “From the very beginning, I knew I wanted him to have a playmate,” Michelle explains. “I think dogs just do better in life when they have a companion.”
Training & Routine Brought Them Together
Eiger, a timid puppy, was initially overwhelmed by Rex’s size and energy. But Michelle and her boyfriend leaned on training and daily routines to bridge the gap.
“The training was one of the biggest things that solidified their bond,” Michelle said. “Rex already knew basic commands, so we would show Eiger that Rex was doing them. Eiger picked up on them quickly and started to look at Rex as a big brother.”
Walking the two dogs together also helped. “They began to realize their daily routine was always going to be done side by side. Once Rex understood Eiger wasn’t there to replace him, but to be with him, he settled down. From there, Eiger started to initiate play, and it just grew into best friends forever.”
From Jealousy to Devotion
Within a few months, the change in Rex was undeniable. “After about the two-to-three-month mark, Rex started grooming Eiger a lot,” Michelle said. “It was like his way of saying, ‘I want to take care of him. I want to protect him.’”
One of Michelle’s favorite moments came when she caught Rex joining Eiger in his crate—a safe space the Dalmatian normally kept to himself. “That was the moment we knew they weren’t just coexisting—they were truly bonded,” she explained.
A Perfect Pair
Today, Rex and Eiger are inseparable. “They’re complete opposites, but they work so well together,” Michelle said with a smile. “Eiger calms down Rex, and Rex helps bring out Eiger’s playful side. The love they have for each other is just so special to see.”
Michelle hopes their story inspires others to be patient when introducing a new dog. “Sometimes, it just takes time. Watching them now, you’d never know Rex once felt jealous. They’re truly the best of friends.”
