Honorable battle exists in formal duels. On the field, and particularly against the Darkspawn, honorable conduct means little. And it's someone, not something. Cuddles is a Mabari, the smartest breed of dog in Thedas. He can understand you when you speak to or about him.

[Cuddles, as if on cue, barked sharply and came over to begin sniffing at Hikaru. He was close enough that the odd paint he was covered with could be smelled. It was not particularly pleasant.]