A useful tip for if you're lvling pup during the low levels is to try to get Shock absorber and get Ranger (Sharpshot) pet asap. Sharpshot pet even when subing PUP at lvl 1 can kill anything in 1 hit and he's most certainly your strongest pet in the beginning levels (Also Shockabsorber blocks 100 hit points and granted mobs at lvl 1 only hit for 1 dmg... they won't be able to dmg your pet whatsoever). It's also important to remain versatile and always keep your pets melee/magic/ranged attack up (You'll know why later). /MNK is in some instances a good sub but in general /nin is ideal once you're lvl 24+. Don't lose faith though if you find the job too expensive or in general hard to play at low levels. Once you hit 75-90 you're basically godly.