Between the banter and the dog's exuberance- he's viscerally reminded of Jonas and his mabari. Not quite so much in size but- enough for him to kneel, to offer his hands to Puppy with a wry laugh. To reach out and scritch behind his ears, peer into somewhat intelligent eyes and shake his head. "I do not doubt that he makes a fine guard dog. But as large as he is? Little Doghren would be crushed. Literally, she is a tiny thing- you might think her a snack."

A beat.

"Actually if I could borrow him long enough to feed him, I think that would work out quite well- she is boney but not very hairy but I know Alistair keeps feeding her scraps of cheese so she might taste half decent- if not I'll have a nice dried scrap of sausage for you, yes?" He scrubs the back of Puppy's head, lips twisted in a smile. "Honestly I am not the best teacher of carving- the Dalish elf Nari may be better able to show you the nuances. But I can show you how to get started."