Ever wished your dog could tell you when they want to go out… without scratching the door to pieces? In this video, I show you how I built a simple Home Assistant automation that reacts the moment my dog scratches at the back door — turning on a light so I know he’s waiting.
This is a fun, practical smart‑home project using a vibration sensor, Zigbee, and Home Assistant. If you’ve got pets, this might be the most useful automation you ever add.
What you’ll see in this video:
• How to detect dog scratching using a vibration sensor
• How to trigger lights or notifications in Home Assistant
• How to set up the automation step‑by‑step
• Why this is a great beginner smart‑home project
• A real‑world example that actually works
A cop just knocked on my door and told me that my dogs were chasing people on bikes. My dogs don’t even own bikes…