Liesel Zanto
AKC Scent Work Judge, Sent Work Instructor, and Foundation Agility Assistant
Liesel's journey in dog sports began at Bell Creek with her mixed breed rescue, Magnum. Seeking to build trust and strengthen their partnership, they enrolled in agility training. While Agility 1 presented initial challenges, a breakthrough in the final class sparked Magnum's enthusiasm for the sport. Through more than five years of dedicated training and competition, their teamwork flourished, culminating in Magnum earning his Agility Championship title. Magnum also demonstrated exceptional talent in AKC Scent Work, quickly achieving his overall Master Scent Work title. Now retired from competitive dog sports, Magnum enjoys hiking and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Liesel's second dog, Minnie, is a Catahoula Leopard Dog originally intended for agility competition. After undergoing double TPLO surgery early in her career, Minnie's competitive path shifted. To keep her engaged during recovery, Liesel introduced her to Scent Work—making Minnie her first dedicated Scent Work partner. Minnie excelled in the discipline, earning her overall Master Scent Work title, and the team is currently working toward their Detective title. Minnie has also proven herself in Barn Hunt, earning several RAT Champion titles. Following her recovery, Minnie returned to agility competition and now competes at the Master level. The team additionally competes in Rally and is pursuing their Rally Championship title.
Liesel's newest family member is Mavra, another Catahoula Leopard Dog. With exceptional drive and eagerness to work, Mavra is poised to make her mark in the dog sports community.
From student to instructor and now a Provisional Judge for AKC Scent Work, Liesel is committed to continuous learning and passionate about teaching. She finds great joy in watching handler-dog teams develop their skills and deepen their partnerships, providing enthusiastic support and encouragement to all students.
Liesel's second dog, Minnie, is a Catahoula Leopard Dog originally intended for agility competition. After undergoing double TPLO surgery early in her career, Minnie's competitive path shifted. To keep her engaged during recovery, Liesel introduced her to Scent Work—making Minnie her first dedicated Scent Work partner. Minnie excelled in the discipline, earning her overall Master Scent Work title, and the team is currently working toward their Detective title. Minnie has also proven herself in Barn Hunt, earning several RAT Champion titles. Following her recovery, Minnie returned to agility competition and now competes at the Master level. The team additionally competes in Rally and is pursuing their Rally Championship title.
Liesel's newest family member is Mavra, another Catahoula Leopard Dog. With exceptional drive and eagerness to work, Mavra is poised to make her mark in the dog sports community.
From student to instructor and now a Provisional Judge for AKC Scent Work, Liesel is committed to continuous learning and passionate about teaching. She finds great joy in watching handler-dog teams develop their skills and deepen their partnerships, providing enthusiastic support and encouragement to all students.
