For Afton and Jake, taking over DogWatch of the Twin Cities was more than a career move. It was a chance to continue a family legacy that began in 1991, when Afton’s father first started the business. In 2020, the couple officially stepped in to lead the next chapter together.

Owning the business was not always part of Afton’s original plan, but the opportunity quickly made sense. Jake has always been handy, hardworking, and loves being outdoors, while Afton enjoys the business side of things and, of course, dogs. Together, it felt like the perfect fit. After first working alongside her father, they were excited to grow the family business and make it their own.

Then came 2020.

The couple had just announced they were taking over when the world changed almost overnight with COVID-19. Like many business owners, there was uncertainty about whether they would even be able to continue working. Fortunately, because their work is outdoors, they were able to keep serving customers while following social distancing guidelines.

As it turned out, demand only grew stronger. During that time, many families were welcoming new dogs into their homes, making 2020 one of the busiest years the company had ever seen. Between managing a growing business and raising young children during a pandemic, it was a whirlwind season for the family.

Today, DogWatch of the Twin Cities specializes in underground dog fencing systems, helping families safely give their dogs freedom to roam while keeping them protected. Their services include installation, repairs, and training. They work with both owners and pets to help dogs learn the system, with most training taking about a week. If a wire is accidentally damaged during landscaping or other projects, they also provide repair service. Customers can even shop online for replacement batteries, which typically last one to two years.

What sets them apart most is their personal touch. As a local family-owned business run solely by Afton and Jake, customers appreciate how easy they are to reach and how responsive they are. A quick text often gets the job done. They pride themselves on strong customer service, dependable support, and longer-lasting batteries that offer added convenience and safety.

When they are not working, family life stays busy and fun. Afton and Jake have two children, a 9-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter, who occasionally get to tag along on the job. They also share their home with one dog, Timber, a lovable Cocker Spaniel and Golden Retriever mix, plus two cats. In the summer, you’ll often find them boating, fishing, enjoying water sports at the cabin, e-biking, or simply spending time outdoors. Afton and the kids also love curling up with a good book.