Over the Edge Dog Sports @ Ace’n Agility offers high quality instruction using the most current and progressive training methods
Your coaches are active in competitive dog sports and multiple dog sport venues. They frequently attend seminars to learn new training methods so that they can bring back relevant information to our classes.
Julie
Over the Edge Dog Sports Coach
AKC Fetch Judge and CGC Evaluator
Julie has a M.S. in Animal Sciences, focusing on dog behavioral studies. She is a CPE Canine Scent Sport Judge and National Dog Agility League Judge and Host, Animal Behavior College Authorized Mentor Trainer, AKC Evaluator and Temperament Test & Fetch Judge, C.L.A.S.S. Evaluator, APDT Professional Member, Be A Tree Presenter from Doggone Safe, Dog Scouts of America Scoutmaster and evaluator for multiple badges, Alliance of Therapy Dogs Tester/Observer and ongoing student of Say Yes Dog Training with Susan Garrett and the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.
I’ve spent most of my adult life as a coach, teaching thousands of people agility. At heart, I’m a lifelong student—I love learning, problem-solving, and finding better ways to train, constantly challenging myself to improve.
While I’ve been fortunate to earn many wins in agility with many incredible dogs, what truly excites me is helping others build their skills and experience the same kind of connection with their dogs. My coaching philosophy centers on perfecting foundation skills, letting dogs learn and progress at their own pace, and continually refining the training process—because when you practice the foundation skills, meaningful progress follows naturally.
Nico
Ace’n Agility
Lead Coach
Nico grew up in Quito, Ecuador. He moved to Phoenix in 2017, after teaching Spanish at an all-boys boarding Catholic school in Connecticut for four years. During Covid, he and his wife adopted Mac, an “Aussie-Lab” mix (without an ounce of lab in him). Seeing Mac’s rambunctious nature, love of weaving in and out of backyard furniture, and independence, Nico knew Mac needed to be educated. Introduced to Agility by Lisa, Nico and Mac are currently competing in Agility & Hoopers Agility.
During his free time from working in Financial Crimes Compliance, Nico loves hiking, playing video games, and finding the best mimosa in town. Nico loves learning and teaching and looks forward to working with all aspiring Agility junkies.
Amanda
Over the Edge Dog Sports
Flyball & Disc Dog Coach
Amanda shares her life with her dogs, and most days revolve around agility, outdoor adventures, and family. They spend a lot of time training and running agility, chasing clean runs, learning frrom the not-so-perfect ones, and having fun every step of the way.
When’s she not on in the agility field, you’ll usually find her hiking trails or camping whenever she can. She’s happiest outside, exploring new places, getting muddy and enjoying the quiet moments that come with being in nature.
At home, family and farm life keep things busy and grounded. Between caring for animals, farm chores, and everyday chaos, there’s never a dull moment. She has a life full of movement, teamwork, fresh air, and dogs – exactly the way she likes it.
Natalie
Ace’n Agility
Foundations Coach
Natalie Ferguson comes from a crazy dog family, and has been fostering rescue dogs, volunteering at shelters, and doing dog sports since her middle school days. She adopted her current dog, Zelie, during the pandemic and began obedience and agility training. Zelie struggled with anxiety and confidence but has thrived since starting agility. Seeing the difference agility made in her own dog’s life, Natalie jumped at the chance to become a trainer. She wants to help others who are just starting out to find the joy and benefits of agility training.
Natalie has a lifelong love of teaching, and works at a high school in West Phoenix teaching English as a Second Language to immigrants and refugees. She has a B.A. in English, B.A. in French, and an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language. Spending all her days with teenagers makes her more than prepared to help you with your pups! She loves that she can transfer her teaching skills to agility!
F.C.
Over the Edge Dog Sports
Rally Coach
F.C. and Kola have earned the following Rally Titles:
RN – Rally Novice
RA – Rally Advanced
RE – Rally Excellent
RM – Rally Master
RM2 – Rally Master x2
RAE – Rally Advanced Excellent
RAE2 – Rally Advanced Excellent x2
As a team, they have qualified for nationals the past 2 years.
Cecily
Over the Edge Dog Sports
CGC Skills Coach
Heather
Over the Edge Dog Sports Coach
Heather has a professional background in operations, people management and instruction. She has had a lifelong love of animals and has owned rescue dogs for the past 20 years. She has experience as a dog foster parent for a local rescue and has participated in a variety of dog training courses and activities.
She currently shares her home with an energetic cattle dog mix named Jersey and three cats. Heather started taking agility classes as a fun activity for Jersey and it has become a passion for both of them. She is eager to combine her teaching experience and love for dogs to introduce people and their dogs to this fun and exciting sport!
SHOUTOUT ARIZONA
Meet Julie Montilla | Dog Trainor – SHOUTOUT ARIZONA
VoyagePhoenix
Hidden Gems: Meet Julie Montilla of Ace’n Agility Training Centers
http://voyagephoenix.com/interview/hidden-gems-meet-julie-montilla-of-acen-agility-training-center/
Modern Canine Vlog’s Jim and Bee, interview Ace’n Agility
People with Passion for Pets
https://youtu.be/s8DMg-j_rvw