diff --git a/main.c b/main.c
index 2a50ae0..a61160d 100644
--- a/main.c
+++ b/main.c
@@ -126,6 +126,18 @@ ISR(TIMER1_OVF_vect)
 	}
 }
 
+/*
+ * For newer devices (mega88) the watchdog timer remains active even after a
+ * system reset. So disable it as soon as possible.
+ * automagically called on startup
+ */
+void get_mcusr(void) __attribute__((naked, section(".init3")));
+void get_mcusr(void)
+{
+	MCUSR = 0;
+	WDTCSR = (1<<WDCE) | (0<<WDE);
+}
+
 int main(void)
 {
 	DDRB = PHASE_A_EN | PHASE_A_PWM | LED_RT | LED_GN;