diff --git a/Watchdogs/docker_watchdog.sh b/Watchdogs/docker_watchdog.sh
index 37b17d5..c3d8fb6 100755
--- a/Watchdogs/docker_watchdog.sh
+++ b/Watchdogs/docker_watchdog.sh
@@ -528,8 +528,10 @@ check_docker_daemon() {
             WATCHDOG_DAEMON_RESTARTED=false
             set_strikes "daemon_strikes" 0 "$WATCHDOG_STATE_FILE"
             set_strikes "daemon_restarted_flag" "false" "$WATCHDOG_STATE_FILE"
-            set_strikes "daemon_confirmed_down" "false" "$WATCHDOG_STATE_FILE"
         fi
+        # Always clear confirmed-down flag when daemon is healthy — unconditional so it
+        # clears correctly after a reboot (strikes reset to 0 but flag persists on flash).
+        set_strikes "daemon_confirmed_down" "false" "$WATCHDOG_STATE_FILE"
         return 0
     fi