When you step into Doghouse Leathers on Capitol Hill, it’s clear this isn’t your average store. The air is rich with the unmistakable scent of leather, but what truly sets this place apart is the immediate sense of belonging — a warm welcome, a feeling of safety, and a vibrant network of people that wraps around you like an old friend.
At the heart of it all is Dan Daniels. With a genuine smile and an easygoing charm, he’s the kind of person who makes you feel seen and valued the moment you meet him. His dedication to creating a space where everyone feels at home has turned Doghouse Leathers into a cornerstone of Seattle’s leather and fetish community.
The business was established with the mission to provide high-quality leather gear in a safe and welcoming environment. Founders Daniels and Jeff Henness envisioned a space where all customers, from seasoned leather enthusiasts to newcomers, could feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment.
Although Henness has sadly passed away, his vision remains a guiding force. His influence is deeply rooted in Doghouse’s core values, including its commitment to the community, and this spirit continues to drive its mission today.
The store’s racks are filled with classic leather jackets, vests, and rugged chaps, but they also feature accessories such as harnesses, cuffs, collars, and puppy gear, selected for their style and durability. Additionally, Doghouse sells lubricants, condoms, and high-quality toys, as well as T-shirts.
Seeking to understand what truly sets Doghouse Leathers apart, I sat down with Daniels for a conversation. It quickly became evident just how much heart and dedication go into the business every day — and why it means so much to the community it serves.
Frank Gaimari: What inspired the creation of Doghouse Leathers?
Dan Daniels: The idea for our shop came to us during a trip to Chicago for the International Mr. Leather event. While exploring, we visited the Chicago Eagle, which had a small shop on-site. As we browsed, I turned to Jeff and said, "We could do something like this in Seattle." That casual comment planted the seed for what would eventually become Doghouse Leathers.
After returning home and discussing it thoroughly, we decided to test the idea by opening a small weekend shop inside The Cuff, where we were both working at the time. The space was very modest — just a 5x7 closet — but it was enough to get started. In those first days, we sold small items like cock rings, belts, and other accessories. It wasn’t a big operation, but it allowed us to run our shop and observe how the community responded. The feedback was very positive, encouraging us to keep going.
FG: What major milestones or changes have stood out in the store’s evolution over the years?
DD: As I mentioned, we started in 2006 with a small shop inside The Cuff. It was a modest beginning, but it gave us the foundation we needed. As word spread and our customer base grew, we moved into our own standalone location at 1312 E. Pike St., just around the corner from the bar. That move was a real turning point for us. Suddenly, we had the space to expand our product line and create the kind of immersive, welcoming shopping experience we’d always envisioned.
Eventually, the property was scheduled for redevelopment, and we found ourselves searching for a new home again. In spring 2019, we took another big step — this time to our current location at 715 Pike St. This space was larger, ideally suited to store our growing inventory and better serve our community.
Looking back, each move has felt like a step forward — each new location has allowed us to grow, offer more to our customers, and really evolve into the store we are today.
FG: How do you view Doghouse Leathers’ role within the Capitol Hill and greater LGBTQ+/fetish communities?
DD: When we started Doghouse Leathers, our focus was primarily on serving the fetish and leather community. This was the heart of our clientele. However, as the years passed and we moved into larger spaces, our role began to grow and evolve in meaningful ways.
With each new location, our client base expanded to include people from across the entire Queer community. While we have consistently remained connected to our roots in the Gay fetish and leather scene, we have also welcomed the remarkable diversity within the surrounding community.
Today, Doghouse Leathers proudly serves a wide range of people — individuals of all genders, orientations, and identities. This evolution has been both natural and intentional, as we have worked to create a space that is not only inclusive but also reflective of the vibrant diversity of Capitol Hill and the greater LGBTQ+ community.
FG: Can you tell us about your online store?
DD: Our website is an extension of our physical store, meaning that most of the products you’ll find in-store are also available online. This allows our customers to browse and shop our collection from anywhere, at any time. By visiting www.doghouseleathers.com, you can explore our wide variety of items.
FG: How do you educate customers about safety, consent, and product care?
DD: Educating our customers is something we take seriously — it’s at the heart of what we do. We want everyone to have a safe and positive experience, so we make sure to offer clear, practical advice on best practices.
Our customers range from beginners to experts. For newcomers, we focus on safety and injury prevention. For example, in impact play such as flogging, we specify which body areas to avoid to prevent injury. This approach allows everyone to enjoy themselves safely.
When it comes to insertable toys, we walk people through things like which lubricants are safe to use with different materials, and how to clean and care for toys to keep everything hygienic.
Our team is essential to this process. We hire experienced individuals who care about the community, and we provide them with continuous training to ensure they are always prepared to assist and answer questions. Ultimately, we aim to cultivate a space where people feel informed, empowered, and supported during their exploration.
FG: What do you value most when building your staff, and how do you create a welcoming and knowledgeable environment for customers?
DD: When we bring new staff on board, we prioritize hiring community members who are passionate about our products. By hiring people who are already familiar with and enthusiastic about what we sell, we bring authenticity and expertise that enhance the customer experience. This allows them not only to provide knowledgeable recommendations but also to share their own positive experiences.
We also place a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our customers. We encourage our staff to engage with customers in meaningful ways, making them feel at home. This approach applies to everyone, whether they’re local or visiting from out of town.
FG: What are your hopes for Doghouse Leathers in the next 5–10 years?
DD: Looking ahead, it’s honestly exciting — and a little emotional — to think about what the next five or ten years could hold for Doghouse Leathers. This place has already come so far, and I know my late partner would be proud of how much we’ve grown and evolved over the years.
People are always asking why I haven’t opened another location in places like Portland or Vancouver. It’s a flattering idea, but it’s also a huge responsibility. Running even one store, especially after losing my partner, has been a big undertaking. I’ve always wanted to make sure that Doghouse Leathers keeps the quality, care, and personal touch that we built together.
I’m proud of how our online store has allowed us to reach people far beyond Capitol Hill. It’s been a lifeline for connecting with the broader community — folks who can’t come into the shop but still want that sense of connection and support that we try to offer.
As I look to the future, I want to keep growing in a way that feels true to what we started. Whether that means expanding our online presence, trying new things, or just deepening our relationship with the community, I want to do it in a way that honors our roots. I’m committed to making sure Doghouse Leathers stays a welcoming, supportive place for everyone — just like we always intended.
FG: Jeff played a significant role in Doghouse Leathers. Could you tell us about your life together, his contributions, and the legacy he left behind?
DD: Jeff and I started this business in 2006. We weren’t just business partners — we were life partners for almost 30 years until his passing. Jeff was an amazing person. He wasn’t just part of the leather community. He was a mentor, a teacher, and a leader who made a real difference in people’s lives.
He was heavily engaged in establishing and supporting community organizations. A key achievement was his role in founding Seattle Men in Leather. However, his influence extended beyond Seattle, as he was involved across the national leather community. Much of our collective success was fueled by his passion and vision.
Jeff’s legacy is at the heart of Doghouse Leathers. His kindness, passion, and dedication to the community still inspire everything we do. Jeff was truly one of a kind, and his spirit is still very much alive in the work we do and the community he loved so much.
Doghouse Leathers stands as a testament to what happens when passion, purpose, and community converge. This is a shop where high-quality products meet heart, where newcomers and veterans alike find a place to belong.
If you’re looking for more than just leather goods — if you want connection, education, and a feeling of home — Doghouse Leathers is waiting on Capitol Hill. Drop in, and you’ll see why this store is a valued part of Seattle’s Queer community.
Doghouse Leathers is at 715 Pike St. in Seattle and online at www.doghouseleathers.com.
Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at www.frankgaimari.com.
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