The Hygge Grooming Method™
I’m McKenzie Hansen, professional groomer and educator. My grandparents are from Denmark, and my family is deeply Danish. Hygge is not an aesthetic to me—it is a cultural framework rooted in comfort, steadiness, and care that feels safe.
I built the Hygge Grooming Method™ to translate these values into a practical, repeatable system for grooming professionals, salon owners, and pet owners who want calmer, safer, more sustainable grooming experiences.
A Philosophy Rooted in Care for Both Dogs and People
Hygge & Hound by McKenzie is built on the belief that calm, sustainable grooming environments are created through both skilled animal care and healthy workplace culture.
The Hygge philosophy that guides this work is not theoretical or trend-based. It is informed by lived cultural values. Both founders, McKenzie Hansen and Nate Hansen, come from families with deep Danish heritage, where hygge represents steadiness, comfort, and care that feels safe and grounded.
In addition to McKenzie’s work as a professional groomer and educator, the Hygge & Hound philosophy is shaped by business partner Nate Hansen, whose expertise is in people management, leadership development, and establishing strong workplace culture.
Nate brings a practical, real-world perspective to this work by supporting salons in:
Creating clear expectations and consistent communication
Establishing leadership structures that reduce chaos and confusion
Addressing burnout through systems rather than pressure
Building team cultures where calm is modeled, supported, and sustained
Together, their work bridges the gap between how dogs are handled and how teams are led—because long-term success in grooming depends on both.
The Six Pillars of Hygge Grooming
1. Calm Before Action
We regulate the environment and energy before handling the dog. Calm is established first—technique follows.
2. Emotional Awareness
We learn canine stress signals, thresholds, and how to respond without escalation or force.
3. Gentle, Skilled Handling
Supportive positioning, intentional touch, and technical skill replace restraint-based control.
4. Environment Matters
Light, sound, scent, textures, and flow all influence safety, cooperation, and trust.
5. Warm, Clear Communication
Clients are educated with clarity, kindness, and professional boundaries—without shame or judgment.
6. Sustainable Grooming Culture
This method protects bodies, reduces burnout, and supports long-term careers in grooming.
What This Method Improves
Dog safety and bite prevention
Calm cooperation over time
Groom quality and consistency
Client trust and compliance
Team morale and retention
Long-term professional sustainability