Crewneck sweater for reactive dog community

Respect Starts With the Leash

Marta Szelest

At Bully Love Boutique, we didn’t just start a brand — we built a voice for responsible dog owners who have lived the hard stuff. We’ve been the ones clutching our leashes tighter while an off-leash dog barrels toward us. We’ve seen our dogs go from calm to reactive in seconds — not because they’re bad dogs, but because someone else didn’t think the leash mattered.

We know the damage a single moment can do. And we know how often big dogs and bully breeds get the blame — even when they’re the ones minding their business.

 

Why We Speak Up About Leashing

 

We’re based in Ontario, where breed-specific legislation already paints our dogs with an unfair brush. People see a wide head or a muscular build and assume the worst. That means we, as owners of bully breeds, have to be extra responsible. We don’t get the luxury of letting our dogs roam off-leash or trusting that “it’ll be fine.”

We’ve been through it too many times — dogs off-leash, charging ours, while we try to stay calm and hold it together. Our dogs have been attacked more than once, and the emotional toll that takes is heavy. It’s not just fear — it’s frustration, sadness, and feeling like you’re alone in advocating for your dog’s safety.

 

Our “Responsible Dog Owner” Line Was Born From These Moments

 

Those hard moments are what led us to create the Responsible Dog Owner collection — a series of sweatshirts, tees, and gear that say what needs to be said. Loudly. Boldly.

  • “Leash Your Dog” sweatshirts
  • Training matters apparel
  • Gear that reminds the world that muzzle training is love, not cruelty
  • Pieces that say, “I take this seriously. Because I love my dog. And I respect yours.”

This isn’t just about fashion — it’s about standing up for dogs like ours and making sure they get a fair chance to just be dogs.

 

Finding Community Through Honesty

 

Since launching this line, and sharing our experiences on our instagram, we’ve found a real community. Other owners who get it. Who’ve had similar moments. Who felt like they were the only ones struggling, only to realize — nope, we’re not alone.

This community is what fuels us. And it’s why we’ll keep designing for real dog owners who value structure, kindness, training — and yeah, a little style too.

 

Leashing Is Love

 

When we ask people to leash their dogs, we’re not trying to be “that person.” We’re trying to protect our dogs — and yours. We’re trying to keep walks peaceful. To avoid vet bills. To create a world where reactive dogs, or simply cautious ones, get the space they need to thrive.

Leashing your dog isn’t about control — it’s about respect.

So thank you to the ones who get it. Who leash up, train up, and speak up. We see you. We are you. And we’re proud to wear it on our sleeves — literally.

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