Is Max picking the apples?

Since Max was given a duty to guard the peach tree, Nutkins and his cousins have not made as many visits as before. Max has settled down at his new guarding station quite comfortably judging by his huge dug out pothole under the apple tree.
Lately I noticed Max is having fun throwing up apples in the air and catching them as well as rolling on them in the grass. Upon checking I saw a few apples around his house and under the RV as well as under the tree. I suspect Max has been picking apples to play when he is bored.
It looks like I have to tell Max that the apples are not yet ready to be picked and to leave them alone on the tree.
I wonder what is his next plan to keep him occupied .