Caratterizzazione del comportamento predatorio nei cani: un approccio integrativo che combina analisi etologica, questionari e valutazione della percezione visiva.

Predatory behavior is a natural, adaptive and important part of dogs’ behavioral repertoire, seen as “normal” and sought after in some contexts, such as hunting activities. However, it can become problematic when misdirected toward inappropriate targets, posing threats to wildlife, farm animals, other companion animals, and humans. Despite its importance, systematic studies on canine predatory behavior remain scarce, relying primarily on anecdotal evidence. This research addresses the gap by developing an ethogram of the predatory sequence, validating an assessment tool to explore behaviors seen as potentially problematic, and investigating key visual perceptual skills relevant to predatory acts. The basic tool for the study of animals’ behavior is the ethogram, namely the objective and comprehensive list of behaviors of a species. The first study developed a detailed ethogram of the dogs’ predatory sequence. By analyzing video footage of predatory behavior during predatory acts, the study identified and described behaviors organized into four functional phases: search, approach, chase, and bite. The ethogram takes into account breed-specific behavioral variations while maintaining a general framework applicable to different group breeds, or different aims. This approach not only sheds light on the predatory behavior of dogs but also aligns with frameworks for the study of other canids and carnivores, allowing cross-species comparisons. When predatory behavior is expressed in an inappropriate context or is directed at inappropriate targets, it can be seen as problematic, leading to a potential fracture of the dog-owner relationship and potentially serious consequences for the dog's welfare. The second study focused on problematic behaviors perceived by dog owners, translating and validating the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) for Italian-speaking populations. The validation process included back-translation and psychometric evaluations, ensuring reliability and cultural adaptability. Analysis of responses from 803 participants confirmed a factorial structure consistent with prior versions of the C-BARQ while reflecting some demographic and cultural differences. The validated questionnaire can be a versatile tool for clinical behavioral assessments, temperament evaluations, and preventive strategies, including addressing undesirable predatory behaviors. It also allows for large-scale systematic studies and cross-cultural comparisons of dog behavior. Predatory behavior relies on the integration of visual perception abilities, such as depth and tridimensional perception, in order to effectively navigate in complex environments, detect movements, locate prey and successfully capture it. The third study explored dogs’ ability to perceive depth and tridimensionality through pictorial cues, such as linear perspective and shading. Dogs demonstrated longer looking times at an unexpected situation where the manipulation of such pictorial cues created the illusions of depth, suggesting their ability to perceive tridimensionality from two-dimensional stimuli. This finding establishes the feasibility of using 2D stimuli to simulate naturalistic scenarios in controlled laboratory settings, a process necessary to deepen the theoretical understanding of dogs' predatory behavior. In addition, the study provides a basis for exploring how evolutionary pressures may shape perceptual sensitivities and predatory strategies in dogs and other species.