Yeah, merc isnt gonna just start handing out levels to any one that comes along, he wont hand out levels to anyone at all infact lol.
I noticed on another thread you said your character was lvl 600, you should be totally fine going to bichonary and solo lvling, its what everyone else has had to do and its pretty fast to be honest, just make sure your auto pots are enabled if you do take damage at all and you will be fine.
Peace Out
Lithium.