The Latest Chews

A maple tree seed

It's been quite a while since I posted a "latest chews" article, thankfully because as Vinson has matured (I use the term loosely), he's stopped most chewing behaviors - but not all.

Recent items of interest include:

• Leaves! While they used to be a favorite of his, Vinson lost interest in leaves, BUT, the arrival of Autumn breezes filled with circling leaves has completely rekindled his interest. They're boring on the ground, but once they start moving they become a whole new distraction.
• Deer poop - unfortunately Vinson has recently discovered deer droppings. Frankly I'm not sure how he didn't investigate them earlier on. Regardless, a suspicious nose to the grass and zigzagging pattern alerts me that he's honing in on a deer treat. Swift, repeated correction is the name of the game.
• Maple tree seeds (we called them "helicopters" as kids).

The Latest Chews

Vinson's latest interests?

• beechnuts from the 300 year-old beech tree at The Seeing Eye
• bird feathers
• sand
• hair tumbleweeds from other cats and dogs
• spots created on the floor by sun reflecting off of a vase

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The Latest Chews is a recurring post based on any new items Vinson has tried to pick up or investigate with his mouth. Likely without exception, every item or incident listed is behavior that we stop through correction and training.

The Latest Chews

While Vinson's chewing and nipping has really been reduced in the last couple of weeks, there are still new items that attract his mouth. The latest?

• Metal Zippers on anything from jackets to pillow covers
• His stainless water bowl (he'll finish the water and then run away with the bowl)
• Metal latches on leashes, tie-downs, etc

These hard and cool surfaces are likely attractive because of his teething / loosing his puppy teeth. Like the magazines, papers and towels before them, these items have now been removed when not in use or placed up high; and correction must be given to avoid damage to the pup's teeth or worse, creating a habit of chewing them.

The Latest Chews

Here is a list of some items that have attracted Vinson's busy snout recently. All of these "situations" are corrected immediately:

• Gum melted on blacktop (ick!)
• Women's stockings
• Designer lady's blouse
• Lighting bugs (and all flying insects)
• Paper, magazines, newspapers, tissues, toilet paper rolls, paper towels, envelopes
• Women's Skirts and Dresses
• Sandal straps
• Towels
• Hanging jackets (now tall enough to reach them)
• Clumps of cut grass/lawn clippings
• Leaves blowing in the wind