Wastewalker Shu Glitch

[Iconyx]

Today I battled Wastewalker Shu and forgot to cycle in the pet I was leveling (Golden Dragonhawk Hatchling). However, the Hatchling still gained experience from the battle, as if it had attacked for one round. I assume this is due to Pounder's ability http://www.wowhead.com/petability=644 which does damage to back line pets, although back line damage is inconsistent for pet leveling. For example, http://www.wowhead.com/petability=419 damaged my Hatchling on the next fight against Flowing Pandaren Spirit, but yielded no experience. Is this intended, and are there other tamer battles with similar mechanics?

[Waddatoe]

I'm interested to see this happen- I haven't noticed it myself.