diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index a26e340b0..da3a1b220 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -19,8 +19,6 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 - Add PARL_IO TX driver for ESP32-C6 / ESP32-H2 (#733)
 - Implement `ufmt_write::uWrite` trait for USB Serial JTAG (#751)
 - Add HMAC peripheral support (#755)
-- Add multicore-aware embassy executor for Xtensa MCUs (#723).
-- Add interrupt-executor for Xtensa MCUs (#723).
 - Add PARL_IO RX driver for ESP32-C6 / ESP32-H2 (#760)
 - Add multicore-aware embassy executor for Xtensa MCUs (#723, #756).
 - Add interrupt-executor for Xtensa MCUs (#723, #756).
@@ -30,6 +28,7 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 - Update the `embedded-hal-*` packages to `1.0.0-rc.1` and implement traits from `embedded-io` and `embedded-io-async` (#747)
 - Moved AlignmentHelper to its own module (#753)
+- Disable all watchdog timers by default at startup (#763)
 
 ### Fixed
 
diff --git a/esp-hal-common/src/rtc_cntl/mod.rs b/esp-hal-common/src/rtc_cntl/mod.rs
index 1ddf39669..1f63bce61 100644
--- a/esp-hal-common/src/rtc_cntl/mod.rs
+++ b/esp-hal-common/src/rtc_cntl/mod.rs
@@ -701,6 +701,16 @@ impl Default for Rwdt {
 
 /// RTC Watchdog Timer driver
 impl Rwdt {
+    /// Enable the watchdog timer instance
+    pub fn enable(&mut self) {
+        self.set_enabled(true);
+    }
+
+    /// Disable the watchdog timer instance
+    pub fn disable(&mut self) {
+        self.set_enabled(false);
+    }
+
     pub fn listen(&mut self) {
         #[cfg(not(any(esp32c6, esp32h2)))]
         let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*RTC_CNTL::PTR };
@@ -782,7 +792,17 @@ impl Rwdt {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Enable/disable write protection for WDT registers
+    pub fn feed(&mut self) {
+        #[cfg(not(any(esp32c6, esp32h2)))]
+        let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*RTC_CNTL::PTR };
+        #[cfg(any(esp32c6, esp32h2))]
+        let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*LP_WDT::PTR };
+
+        self.set_write_protection(false);
+        rtc_cntl.wdtfeed.write(|w| unsafe { w.bits(1) });
+        self.set_write_protection(true);
+    }
+
     fn set_write_protection(&mut self, enable: bool) {
         #[cfg(not(any(esp32c6, esp32h2)))]
         let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*RTC_CNTL::PTR };
@@ -793,10 +813,8 @@ impl Rwdt {
 
         rtc_cntl.wdtwprotect.write(|w| unsafe { w.bits(wkey) });
     }
-}
 
-impl WatchdogDisable for Rwdt {
-    fn disable(&mut self) {
+    fn set_enabled(&mut self, enable: bool) {
         #[cfg(not(any(esp32c6, esp32h2)))]
         let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*RTC_CNTL::PTR };
         #[cfg(any(esp32c6, esp32h2))]
@@ -806,26 +824,18 @@ impl WatchdogDisable for Rwdt {
 
         rtc_cntl
             .wdtconfig0
-            .modify(|_, w| w.wdt_en().clear_bit().wdt_flashboot_mod_en().clear_bit());
+            .modify(|_, w| w.wdt_en().bit(enable).wdt_flashboot_mod_en().bit(enable));
 
         self.set_write_protection(true);
     }
-}
 
-// TODO: this can be refactored
-impl WatchdogEnable for Rwdt {
-    type Time = MicrosDurationU64;
-
-    fn start<T>(&mut self, period: T)
-    where
-        T: Into<Self::Time>,
-    {
+    fn set_timeout(&mut self, timeout: MicrosDurationU64) {
         #[cfg(not(any(esp32c6, esp32h2)))]
         let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*RTC_CNTL::PTR };
         #[cfg(any(esp32c6, esp32h2))]
         let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*LP_WDT::PTR };
 
-        let timeout_raw = (period.into().to_millis() * (RtcClock::cycles_to_1ms() as u64)) as u32;
+        let timeout_raw = (timeout.to_millis() * (RtcClock::cycles_to_1ms() as u64)) as u32;
         self.set_write_protection(false);
 
         unsafe {
@@ -835,7 +845,7 @@ impl WatchdogEnable for Rwdt {
                 .modify(|_, w| w.wdt_stg0_hold().bits(timeout_raw));
 
             #[cfg(any(esp32c6, esp32h2))]
-            (&*LP_WDT::PTR).config1.modify(|_, w| {
+            rtc_cntl.config1.modify(|_, w| {
                 w.wdt_stg0_hold()
                     .bits(timeout_raw >> (1 + Efuse::get_rwdt_multiplier()))
             });
@@ -868,16 +878,26 @@ impl WatchdogEnable for Rwdt {
     }
 }
 
+impl WatchdogDisable for Rwdt {
+    fn disable(&mut self) {
+        self.disable();
+    }
+}
+
+impl WatchdogEnable for Rwdt {
+    type Time = MicrosDurationU64;
+
+    fn start<T>(&mut self, period: T)
+    where
+        T: Into<Self::Time>,
+    {
+        self.set_timeout(period.into());
+    }
+}
+
 impl Watchdog for Rwdt {
     fn feed(&mut self) {
-        #[cfg(not(any(esp32c6, esp32h2)))]
-        let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*RTC_CNTL::PTR };
-        #[cfg(any(esp32c6, esp32h2))]
-        let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*LP_WDT::PTR };
-
-        self.set_write_protection(false);
-        rtc_cntl.wdtfeed.write(|w| unsafe { w.bits(1) });
-        self.set_write_protection(true);
+        self.feed();
     }
 }
 
@@ -888,10 +908,16 @@ pub struct Swd;
 #[cfg(any(esp32c2, esp32c3, esp32c6, esp32h2, esp32s3))]
 /// Super Watchdog driver
 impl Swd {
+    /// Create a new super watchdog timer instance
     pub fn new() -> Self {
         Self
     }
 
+    /// Disable the watchdog timer instance
+    pub fn disable(&mut self) {
+        self.set_enabled(false);
+    }
+
     /// Enable/disable write protection for WDT registers
     fn set_write_protection(&mut self, enable: bool) {
         #[cfg(not(any(esp32c6, esp32h2)))]
@@ -908,22 +934,28 @@ impl Swd {
             .swd_wprotect
             .write(|w| unsafe { w.swd_wkey().bits(wkey) });
     }
-}
 
-#[cfg(any(esp32c2, esp32c3, esp32c6, esp32h2, esp32s3))]
-impl WatchdogDisable for Swd {
-    fn disable(&mut self) {
+    fn set_enabled(&mut self, enable: bool) {
         #[cfg(not(any(esp32c6, esp32h2)))]
         let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*RTC_CNTL::PTR };
         #[cfg(any(esp32c6, esp32h2))]
         let rtc_cntl = unsafe { &*LP_WDT::PTR };
 
         self.set_write_protection(false);
-        rtc_cntl.swd_conf.write(|w| w.swd_auto_feed_en().set_bit());
+        rtc_cntl
+            .swd_conf
+            .write(|w| w.swd_auto_feed_en().bit(!enable));
         self.set_write_protection(true);
     }
 }
 
+#[cfg(any(esp32c2, esp32c3, esp32c6, esp32h2, esp32s3))]
+impl WatchdogDisable for Swd {
+    fn disable(&mut self) {
+        self.disable();
+    }
+}
+
 pub fn get_reset_reason(cpu: Cpu) -> Option<SocResetReason> {
     let reason = unsafe { rtc_get_reset_reason(cpu as u32) };
     let reason = SocResetReason::from_repr(reason as usize);
diff --git a/esp-hal-common/src/timer.rs b/esp-hal-common/src/timer.rs
index bffaddbfb..e541411c4 100644
--- a/esp-hal-common/src/timer.rs
+++ b/esp-hal-common/src/timer.rs
@@ -728,13 +728,30 @@ where
     pub fn new(_peripheral_clock_control: &mut PeripheralClockControl) -> Self {
         #[cfg(lp_wdt)]
         _peripheral_clock_control.enable(crate::system::Peripheral::Wdt);
+
         TG::configure_wdt_src_clk();
+
         Self {
             phantom: PhantomData::default(),
         }
     }
 
-    fn set_wdt_enabled(&mut self, enabled: bool) {
+    /// Enable the watchdog timer instance
+    pub fn enable(&mut self) {
+        // SAFETY: The `TG` instance being modified is owned by `self`, which is behind
+        //         a mutable reference.
+        unsafe { Self::set_wdt_enabled(true) };
+    }
+
+    /// Disable the watchdog timer instance
+    pub fn disable(&mut self) {
+        // SAFETY: The `TG` instance being modified is owned by `self`, which is behind
+        //         a mutable reference.
+        unsafe { Self::set_wdt_enabled(false) };
+    }
+
+    /// Forcibly enable or disable the watchdog timer
+    pub unsafe fn set_wdt_enabled(enabled: bool) {
         let reg_block = unsafe { &*TG::register_block() };
 
         reg_block
@@ -817,7 +834,7 @@ where
     TG: TimerGroupInstance,
 {
     fn disable(&mut self) {
-        self.set_wdt_enabled(false);
+        self.disable();
     }
 }
 
@@ -831,6 +848,7 @@ where
     where
         T: Into<Self::Time>,
     {
+        self.enable();
         self.set_timeout(period.into());
     }
 }
diff --git a/esp32-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs b/esp32-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
index d797bc074..49ce8a7be 100644
--- a/esp32-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
@@ -28,10 +28,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let _clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
     let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
-
-    // Disable watchdog timer
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
-
     rtc.rwdt.start(2000u64.millis());
     rtc.rwdt.listen();
 
@@ -49,6 +45,8 @@ fn main() -> ! {
 #[interrupt]
 fn RTC_CORE() {
     critical_section::with(|cs| {
+        esp_println::println!("RWDT Interrupt");
+
         let mut rwdt = RWDT.borrow_ref_mut(cs);
         let rwdt = rwdt.as_mut().unwrap();
         rwdt.clear_interrupt();
diff --git a/esp32-hal/examples/watchdog.rs b/esp32-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
index 0cd19b35c..24620383b 100644
--- a/esp32-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
@@ -5,13 +5,7 @@
 #![no_std]
 #![no_main]
 
-use esp32_hal::{
-    clock::ClockControl,
-    peripherals::Peripherals,
-    prelude::*,
-    timer::TimerGroup,
-    Rtc,
-};
+use esp32_hal::{clock::ClockControl, peripherals::Peripherals, prelude::*, timer::TimerGroup};
 use esp_backtrace as _;
 use esp_println::println;
 use nb::block;
@@ -29,9 +23,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     );
     let mut timer0 = timer_group0.timer0;
     let mut wdt = timer_group0.wdt;
-    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
-
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
 
     wdt.start(2u64.secs());
     timer0.start(1u64.secs());
diff --git a/esp32-hal/src/lib.rs b/esp32-hal/src/lib.rs
index 2c0e7d0ba..0483159e9 100644
--- a/esp32-hal/src/lib.rs
+++ b/esp32-hal/src/lib.rs
@@ -94,3 +94,18 @@ pub unsafe extern "C" fn ESP32Reset() -> ! {
 pub extern "Rust" fn __init_data() -> bool {
     false
 }
+
+#[export_name = "__post_init"]
+unsafe fn post_init() {
+    use esp_hal_common::{
+        peripherals::{RTC_CNTL, TIMG0, TIMG1},
+        timer::Wdt,
+    };
+
+    // RTC domain must be enabled before we try to disable
+    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(RTC_CNTL::steal());
+    rtc.rwdt.disable();
+
+    Wdt::<TIMG0>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+    Wdt::<TIMG1>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+}
diff --git a/esp32c2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs b/esp32c2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
index f24ada1d1..c0f8ebb78 100644
--- a/esp32c2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32c2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
@@ -29,11 +29,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let _clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
     let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
-
-    // Disable watchdog timers
-    rtc.swd.disable();
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
-
     rtc.rwdt.start(2000u64.millis());
     rtc.rwdt.listen();
 
diff --git a/esp32c2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs b/esp32c2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
index 863422eb7..9d6d471db 100644
--- a/esp32c2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32c2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
@@ -5,13 +5,7 @@
 #![no_std]
 #![no_main]
 
-use esp32c2_hal::{
-    clock::ClockControl,
-    peripherals::Peripherals,
-    prelude::*,
-    timer::TimerGroup,
-    Rtc,
-};
+use esp32c2_hal::{clock::ClockControl, peripherals::Peripherals, prelude::*, timer::TimerGroup};
 use esp_backtrace as _;
 use esp_println::println;
 use nb::block;
@@ -22,7 +16,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let mut system = peripherals.SYSTEM.split();
     let clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
-    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
     let timer_group0 = TimerGroup::new(
         peripherals.TIMG0,
         &clocks,
@@ -31,11 +24,7 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let mut timer0 = timer_group0.timer0;
     let mut wdt0 = timer_group0.wdt;
 
-    // Disable watchdog timers
-    rtc.swd.disable();
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
     wdt0.start(2u64.secs());
-
     timer0.start(1u64.secs());
 
     loop {
diff --git a/esp32c2-hal/src/lib.rs b/esp32c2-hal/src/lib.rs
index e01bc7fe6..c55238a1a 100644
--- a/esp32c2-hal/src/lib.rs
+++ b/esp32c2-hal/src/lib.rs
@@ -75,3 +75,18 @@ pub use esp_hal_common::*;
 pub mod analog {
     pub use esp_hal_common::analog::{AvailableAnalog, SarAdcExt};
 }
+
+#[export_name = "__post_init"]
+unsafe fn post_init() {
+    use esp_hal_common::{
+        peripherals::{RTC_CNTL, TIMG0},
+        timer::Wdt,
+    };
+
+    // RTC domain must be enabled before we try to disable
+    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(RTC_CNTL::steal());
+    rtc.swd.disable();
+    rtc.rwdt.disable();
+
+    Wdt::<TIMG0>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+}
diff --git a/esp32c3-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs b/esp32c3-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
index 5a98e4912..b8f45fd5a 100644
--- a/esp32c3-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32c3-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
@@ -29,11 +29,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let _clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
     let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
-
-    // Disable watchdog timers
-    rtc.swd.disable();
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
-
     rtc.rwdt.start(2000u64.millis());
     rtc.rwdt.listen();
 
diff --git a/esp32c3-hal/examples/watchdog.rs b/esp32c3-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
index c070515a9..28452d90a 100644
--- a/esp32c3-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32c3-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
@@ -5,13 +5,7 @@
 #![no_std]
 #![no_main]
 
-use esp32c3_hal::{
-    clock::ClockControl,
-    peripherals::Peripherals,
-    prelude::*,
-    timer::TimerGroup,
-    Rtc,
-};
+use esp32c3_hal::{clock::ClockControl, peripherals::Peripherals, prelude::*, timer::TimerGroup};
 use esp_backtrace as _;
 use esp_println::println;
 use nb::block;
@@ -22,7 +16,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let mut system = peripherals.SYSTEM.split();
     let clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
-    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
     let timer_group0 = TimerGroup::new(
         peripherals.TIMG0,
         &clocks,
@@ -30,19 +23,8 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     );
     let mut timer0 = timer_group0.timer0;
     let mut wdt0 = timer_group0.wdt;
-    let timer_group1 = TimerGroup::new(
-        peripherals.TIMG1,
-        &clocks,
-        &mut system.peripheral_clock_control,
-    );
-    let mut wdt1 = timer_group1.wdt;
 
-    // Disable watchdog timers
-    rtc.swd.disable();
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
     wdt0.start(2u64.secs());
-    wdt1.disable();
-
     timer0.start(1u64.secs());
 
     loop {
diff --git a/esp32c3-hal/src/lib.rs b/esp32c3-hal/src/lib.rs
index 2e842ecfe..bb28d53a1 100644
--- a/esp32c3-hal/src/lib.rs
+++ b/esp32c3-hal/src/lib.rs
@@ -205,13 +205,24 @@ unsafe fn configure_mmu() {
     cache_resume_icache(autoload);
 }
 
-#[allow(unreachable_code)]
 #[export_name = "__post_init"]
-#[doc(hidden)]
 #[cfg_attr(feature = "mcu-boot", link_section = ".rwtext")]
-pub fn post_init() {
+unsafe fn post_init() {
     #[cfg(feature = "mcu-boot")]
     unsafe {
         configure_mmu();
     }
+
+    use esp_hal_common::{
+        peripherals::{RTC_CNTL, TIMG0, TIMG1},
+        timer::Wdt,
+    };
+
+    // RTC domain must be enabled before we try to disable
+    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(RTC_CNTL::steal());
+    rtc.swd.disable();
+    rtc.rwdt.disable();
+
+    Wdt::<TIMG0>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+    Wdt::<TIMG1>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
 }
diff --git a/esp32c6-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs b/esp32c6-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
index a3c37f7ff..787746b74 100644
--- a/esp32c6-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32c6-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ use esp32c6_hal::{
     peripherals::{self, Peripherals},
     prelude::*,
     riscv,
-    timer::TimerGroup,
     Rtc,
     Rwdt,
 };
@@ -26,30 +25,10 @@ static RWDT: Mutex<RefCell<Option<Rwdt>>> = Mutex::new(RefCell::new(None));
 #[entry]
 fn main() -> ! {
     let peripherals = Peripherals::take();
-    let mut system = peripherals.PCR.split();
-    let clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
+    let system = peripherals.PCR.split();
+    let _clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
-    let timer_group0 = TimerGroup::new(
-        peripherals.TIMG0,
-        &clocks,
-        &mut system.peripheral_clock_control,
-    );
-    let mut wdt0 = timer_group0.wdt;
-    let timer_group1 = TimerGroup::new(
-        peripherals.TIMG1,
-        &clocks,
-        &mut system.peripheral_clock_control,
-    );
-    let mut wdt1 = timer_group1.wdt;
-
-    wdt0.disable();
-    wdt1.disable();
     let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.LP_CLKRST);
-
-    // Disable watchdog timers
-    rtc.swd.disable();
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
-
     rtc.rwdt.start(2000u64.millis());
     rtc.rwdt.listen();
 
diff --git a/esp32c6-hal/examples/watchdog.rs b/esp32c6-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
index 0cf7dad81..4c61b216d 100644
--- a/esp32c6-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32c6-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
@@ -5,13 +5,7 @@
 #![no_std]
 #![no_main]
 
-use esp32c6_hal::{
-    clock::ClockControl,
-    peripherals::Peripherals,
-    prelude::*,
-    timer::TimerGroup,
-    Rtc,
-};
+use esp32c6_hal::{clock::ClockControl, peripherals::Peripherals, prelude::*, timer::TimerGroup};
 use esp_backtrace as _;
 use esp_println::println;
 use nb::block;
@@ -22,7 +16,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let mut system = peripherals.PCR.split();
     let clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
-    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.LP_CLKRST);
     let timer_group0 = TimerGroup::new(
         peripherals.TIMG0,
         &clocks,
@@ -30,19 +23,8 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     );
     let mut timer0 = timer_group0.timer0;
     let mut wdt0 = timer_group0.wdt;
-    let timer_group1 = TimerGroup::new(
-        peripherals.TIMG1,
-        &clocks,
-        &mut system.peripheral_clock_control,
-    );
-    let mut wdt1 = timer_group1.wdt;
 
-    // Disable watchdog timers
-    rtc.swd.disable();
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
     wdt0.start(2u64.secs());
-    wdt1.disable();
-
     timer0.start(1u64.secs());
 
     loop {
diff --git a/esp32c6-hal/src/lib.rs b/esp32c6-hal/src/lib.rs
index fea1935d7..fcc755f8d 100644
--- a/esp32c6-hal/src/lib.rs
+++ b/esp32c6-hal/src/lib.rs
@@ -73,3 +73,19 @@ pub use esp_hal_common::*;
 pub mod analog {
     pub use esp_hal_common::analog::{AvailableAnalog, SarAdcExt};
 }
+
+#[export_name = "__post_init"]
+unsafe fn post_init() {
+    use esp_hal_common::{
+        peripherals::{LP_CLKRST, TIMG0, TIMG1},
+        timer::Wdt,
+    };
+
+    // RTC domain must be enabled before we try to disable
+    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(LP_CLKRST::steal());
+    rtc.swd.disable();
+    rtc.rwdt.disable();
+
+    Wdt::<TIMG0>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+    Wdt::<TIMG1>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+}
diff --git a/esp32h2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs b/esp32h2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
index 1186f5104..b0fc32ad3 100644
--- a/esp32h2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32h2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ use esp32h2_hal::{
     peripherals::{self, Peripherals},
     prelude::*,
     riscv,
-    timer::TimerGroup,
     Rtc,
     Rwdt,
 };
@@ -26,30 +25,10 @@ static RWDT: Mutex<RefCell<Option<Rwdt>>> = Mutex::new(RefCell::new(None));
 #[entry]
 fn main() -> ! {
     let peripherals = Peripherals::take();
-    let mut system = peripherals.PCR.split();
-    let clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
+    let system = peripherals.PCR.split();
+    let _clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
-    let timer_group0 = TimerGroup::new(
-        peripherals.TIMG0,
-        &clocks,
-        &mut system.peripheral_clock_control,
-    );
-    let mut wdt0 = timer_group0.wdt;
-    let timer_group1 = TimerGroup::new(
-        peripherals.TIMG1,
-        &clocks,
-        &mut system.peripheral_clock_control,
-    );
-    let mut wdt1 = timer_group1.wdt;
-
-    wdt0.disable();
-    wdt1.disable();
     let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.LP_CLKRST);
-
-    // Disable watchdog timers
-    rtc.swd.disable();
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
-
     rtc.rwdt.start(2000u64.millis());
     rtc.rwdt.listen();
 
diff --git a/esp32h2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs b/esp32h2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
index 86a77ec87..310d2b15f 100644
--- a/esp32h2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32h2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
@@ -5,13 +5,7 @@
 #![no_std]
 #![no_main]
 
-use esp32h2_hal::{
-    clock::ClockControl,
-    peripherals::Peripherals,
-    prelude::*,
-    timer::TimerGroup,
-    Rtc,
-};
+use esp32h2_hal::{clock::ClockControl, peripherals::Peripherals, prelude::*, timer::TimerGroup};
 use esp_backtrace as _;
 use esp_println::println;
 use nb::block;
@@ -22,7 +16,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let mut system = peripherals.PCR.split();
     let clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
-    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.LP_CLKRST);
     let timer_group0 = TimerGroup::new(
         peripherals.TIMG0,
         &clocks,
@@ -30,19 +23,8 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     );
     let mut timer0 = timer_group0.timer0;
     let mut wdt0 = timer_group0.wdt;
-    let timer_group1 = TimerGroup::new(
-        peripherals.TIMG1,
-        &clocks,
-        &mut system.peripheral_clock_control,
-    );
-    let mut wdt1 = timer_group1.wdt;
 
-    // Disable watchdog timers
-    rtc.swd.disable();
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
     wdt0.start(2u64.secs());
-    wdt1.disable();
-
     timer0.start(1u64.secs());
 
     loop {
diff --git a/esp32h2-hal/src/lib.rs b/esp32h2-hal/src/lib.rs
index 4c924c65c..175db3171 100644
--- a/esp32h2-hal/src/lib.rs
+++ b/esp32h2-hal/src/lib.rs
@@ -73,3 +73,19 @@ pub use esp_hal_common::*;
 pub mod analog {
     pub use esp_hal_common::analog::{AvailableAnalog, SarAdcExt};
 }
+
+#[export_name = "__post_init"]
+unsafe fn post_init() {
+    use esp_hal_common::{
+        peripherals::{LP_CLKRST, TIMG0, TIMG1},
+        timer::Wdt,
+    };
+
+    // RTC domain must be enabled before we try to disable
+    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(LP_CLKRST::steal());
+    rtc.swd.disable();
+    rtc.rwdt.disable();
+
+    Wdt::<TIMG0>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+    Wdt::<TIMG1>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+}
diff --git a/esp32s2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs b/esp32s2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
index 88fd14810..c04f1d9b6 100644
--- a/esp32s2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32s2-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
@@ -28,10 +28,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let _clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
     let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
-
-    // Disable watchdog timer
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
-
     rtc.rwdt.start(2000u64.millis());
     rtc.rwdt.listen();
 
@@ -49,6 +45,8 @@ fn main() -> ! {
 #[interrupt]
 fn RTC_CORE() {
     critical_section::with(|cs| {
+        esp_println::println!("RWDT Interrupt");
+
         let mut rwdt = RWDT.borrow_ref_mut(cs);
         let rwdt = rwdt.as_mut().unwrap();
         rwdt.clear_interrupt();
diff --git a/esp32s2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs b/esp32s2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
index 330ab7ea8..4b706b9f5 100644
--- a/esp32s2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32s2-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
@@ -5,13 +5,7 @@
 #![no_std]
 #![no_main]
 
-use esp32s2_hal::{
-    clock::ClockControl,
-    peripherals::Peripherals,
-    prelude::*,
-    timer::TimerGroup,
-    Rtc,
-};
+use esp32s2_hal::{clock::ClockControl, peripherals::Peripherals, prelude::*, timer::TimerGroup};
 use esp_backtrace as _;
 use esp_println::println;
 use nb::block;
@@ -29,11 +23,8 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     );
     let mut timer0 = timer_group0.timer0;
     let mut wdt = timer_group0.wdt;
-    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
 
     wdt.start(2u64.secs());
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
-
     timer0.start(1u64.secs());
 
     loop {
diff --git a/esp32s2-hal/src/lib.rs b/esp32s2-hal/src/lib.rs
index 0452c7b52..e558c89e5 100644
--- a/esp32s2-hal/src/lib.rs
+++ b/esp32s2-hal/src/lib.rs
@@ -148,3 +148,18 @@ unsafe fn exception(cause: ExceptionCause, save_frame: &mut trapframe::TrapFrame
 
     __user_exception(cause, save_frame);
 }
+
+#[export_name = "__post_init"]
+unsafe fn post_init() {
+    use esp_hal_common::{
+        peripherals::{RTC_CNTL, TIMG0, TIMG1},
+        timer::Wdt,
+    };
+
+    // RTC domain must be enabled before we try to disable
+    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(RTC_CNTL::steal());
+    rtc.rwdt.disable();
+
+    Wdt::<TIMG0>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+    Wdt::<TIMG1>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+}
diff --git a/esp32s3-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs b/esp32s3-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
index c9cc8aece..409a9c60f 100644
--- a/esp32s3-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32s3-hal/examples/rtc_watchdog.rs
@@ -28,10 +28,6 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     let _clocks = ClockControl::boot_defaults(system.clock_control).freeze();
 
     let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
-
-    // Disable watchdog timer
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
-
     rtc.rwdt.start(2000u64.millis());
     rtc.rwdt.listen();
 
@@ -49,6 +45,8 @@ fn main() -> ! {
 #[interrupt]
 fn RTC_CORE() {
     critical_section::with(|cs| {
+        esp_println::println!("RWDT Interrupt");
+
         let mut rwdt = RWDT.borrow_ref_mut(cs);
         let rwdt = rwdt.as_mut().unwrap();
         rwdt.clear_interrupt();
diff --git a/esp32s3-hal/examples/watchdog.rs b/esp32s3-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
index 5a6b0f83a..1ec57348e 100644
--- a/esp32s3-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
+++ b/esp32s3-hal/examples/watchdog.rs
@@ -5,13 +5,7 @@
 #![no_std]
 #![no_main]
 
-use esp32s3_hal::{
-    clock::ClockControl,
-    peripherals::Peripherals,
-    prelude::*,
-    timer::TimerGroup,
-    Rtc,
-};
+use esp32s3_hal::{clock::ClockControl, peripherals::Peripherals, prelude::*, timer::TimerGroup};
 use esp_backtrace as _;
 use esp_println::println;
 use nb::block;
@@ -29,11 +23,8 @@ fn main() -> ! {
     );
     let mut timer0 = timer_group0.timer0;
     let mut wdt = timer_group0.wdt;
-    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(peripherals.RTC_CNTL);
 
     wdt.start(2u64.secs());
-    rtc.rwdt.disable();
-
     timer0.start(1u64.secs());
 
     loop {
diff --git a/esp32s3-hal/src/lib.rs b/esp32s3-hal/src/lib.rs
index 7a3c65b53..ac12a8e49 100644
--- a/esp32s3-hal/src/lib.rs
+++ b/esp32s3-hal/src/lib.rs
@@ -275,3 +275,18 @@ pub extern "Rust" fn __init_data() -> bool {
 
     res
 }
+
+#[export_name = "__post_init"]
+unsafe fn post_init() {
+    use esp_hal_common::{
+        peripherals::{RTC_CNTL, TIMG0, TIMG1},
+        timer::Wdt,
+    };
+
+    // RTC domain must be enabled before we try to disable
+    let mut rtc = Rtc::new(RTC_CNTL::steal());
+    rtc.rwdt.disable();
+
+    Wdt::<TIMG0>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+    Wdt::<TIMG1>::set_wdt_enabled(false);
+}