HomeStay & Learn

GROOMING EDUCATION · A SOUTHERN UTAH STAY

Come to learn.
Stay for the hygge.

Bring your dog. Build your skills.
Make yourself at home.

Come to Ivins for hands-on grooming education with McKenzie, with a pet-friendly home base at Hygge in the Desert. Plan a visit for yourself—or send a groomer or bather from your salon for focused training.

The living and dining area at Hygge in the Desert, with a warm leather sofa and space to relax.
Hygge in the DesertIvins, Utah

Taking Care of Groomers and Pets alike

Hands-on learning. A welcoming place to stay.

THE MEANING BEHIND OUR NAME

Hygge

HOO-gahEnglish pronunciation

A Danish idea of warmth, comfort, and togetherness—finding contentment in life’s simple moments.

Explore the Danish meaning of hygge ↗
A family portrait of Edith Neilson Jensen and Thorvald Hauberg Jensen, McKenzie’s grandparents, standing behind a table of refreshments.
Edith Neilson Jensen
& Thorvald Hauberg Jensen
McKenzie’s grandparents · From the family album

MY DANISH ROOTS

Hygge and my Danish family.

Hygge has a personal connection for me through my Danish grandmother, Edith Neilson Jensen, and her husband, Thorvald Hauberg Jensen. My Danish family is part of the story behind Hygge & Hound.

That connection gives the name meaning for me. I want pets and people to feel welcome, cared for, and at ease here.

In grooming, that means calm, one-on-one attention. In education, it means patient instruction, room to ask questions, and care for the groomer’s well-being, too. At Hygge in the Desert, it means a comfortable place to settle in while you learn.

— McKenzie

Taking Care of Groomers and Pets alike

SETTLE IN

A little hygge while you browse.

Press play for gentle piano, or open a hygge playlist on Spotify and keep listening as you explore.

Listen to the hygge playlist on Spotify

Calming piano · Play or pause anytime

“Meditation Impromptu 01” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0. Original recording; looped playback.
Spotify selection: HYGGE ☕ – Warm & Relaxing Piano & Instrumental · IW Music.

MAKE THE TRIP YOUR OWN

A visit built around
what you want to learn.

Traveling for education should feel worthwhile. Tell McKenzie where you are now and what you’d like to do more confidently. Together, you’ll choose the training that fits your experience and goals.

PET OWNERS & THEIR DOGS

Learn with your own dog.

Build practical coat-care and grooming skills through Private Owner Lessons. Share your dog’s breed, coat, and needs so McKenzie can help plan suitable lessons.

Explore owner lessons

NEW GROOMING STUDENTS

Start your grooming journey.

Interested in the Foundations Intensive Apprenticeship? Talk through the full program and its schedule before planning your travel and accommodation.

Explore the Foundations Intensive

WORKING GROOMERS

Give your skills focused attention.

Come with specific questions about your grooming work. Arrange professional training around the techniques, coat types, or workflow you want to strengthen.

Tell me your training goals

BATHERS MOVING TOWARD GROOMING

Build on what you already know.

Turn your bathing and prep experience into a plan for learning grooming skills. McKenzie will discuss your current experience and the next steps that make sense for you.

Discuss your next step
McKenzie teaching hands-on grooming skills with a student and dog in the Hygge and Hound salon.

FOR SALON OWNERS & MANAGERS

Training that comes
back to your salon.

Send your groomers for additional training, or help an experienced bather take the next step toward grooming. We’ll start with the work they do now and the skills you’d like them to develop.

  • Bathing, drying, and coat preparation.
  • Clipper, scissor, and finishing skills.
  • Thoughtful handling and grooming workflow.
  • Specific challenges from your salon’s day-to-day work.

Share each learner’s experience and priorities. McKenzie will confirm the training focus, format, length, and cost with you before dates are arranged.

Plan staff training

YOUR PET-FRIENDLY HOME BASE

Hygge in the Desert.
Settle in between lessons.

A private apartment in Ivins, near St. George, with room to relax after a day of learning. Bring your dog along and enjoy a little Southern Utah while you’re here.

Up to 3 guests1 bedroom · 1 bathroomKing bed + sofa bedPets welcome

Everyday comforts

A full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a private living space for time between lessons.

An easy arrival

Self check-in and free parking. The upstairs apartment is reached by a flight of stairs.

Time to explore

Enjoy the red-rock surroundings of Ivins, with Snow Canyon and Tuacahn nearby.

Plan your training first. Then book your stay.

Confirm your training dates with McKenzie, then check the apartment’s availability on your preferred booking platform. Accommodation rates cover your stay; grooming education is arranged directly with McKenzie.

See your booking platform for current nightly rates, pet requirements, house rules, and cancellation terms. Please include your pet when making your reservation.

FROM AN IDEA TO A VISIT

Let’s put the
right plan together.

STEP 01

Tell me what you need.

Share your experience, learning goals, preferred timing, and whether you’re bringing a dog or sending a team member.

STEP 02

Confirm your training.

McKenzie will discuss fit, lesson or program structure, dates, and training costs with you.

STEP 03

Arrange your stay.

Check matching apartment dates on Airbnb or Vrbo, review the stay details, and book through your preferred platform.

LET’S PLAN YOUR VISIT

What would you
like to learn?

A little background helps me recommend a useful next step. Tell me about yourself, your dog, or the team member you’d like to send.

Coming from out of town?

Please contact me about training before booking travel or accommodation. Training dates and apartment availability need to work together.

You’re welcome to inquire about training even if you arrange another place to stay.

Email McKenzie

Your inquiry goes to McKenzie. She’ll reply to discuss training options, timing, and next steps. This form does not reserve training or accommodation. Privacy details

A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS

Before you
pack your bags.

Can I bring my own dog and learn to groom?

Yes—tell McKenzie about your dog and your goals for Private Owner Lessons. You’ll discuss suitable skills, your dog’s needs, and the lesson plan before arranging your visit. Please include your dog on your accommodation reservation as well.

Can my salon send a groomer or bather for training?

Yes. Share their current experience, the work they do, and what you’d like them to learn. McKenzie can discuss additional groomer training or the next steps for a bather transitioning toward grooming.

How long should I plan to stay?

It depends on the training. Individual lessons, professional skill development, and the Foundations Intensive have different structures. Confirm the training format and dates with McKenzie before booking accommodation or travel.

Is training included in the Airbnb or Vrbo price?

The accommodation price covers your stay. Training is arranged directly with McKenzie, who will confirm the scope, schedule, and cost with you.

Do I have to stay at Hygge in the Desert to train?

No. You can inquire about training and arrange your own accommodation. Hygge in the Desert is an option for visitors who would like a pet-friendly home base while they learn.

What should I know about the apartment?

The apartment accommodates up to three guests and is upstairs, reached by a flight of stairs. Review the Airbnb or Vrbo listing for the current amenities, pet requirements, house rules, and booking terms.