Lead wolf level

My lead wolf's level is rapidly falling below the other wolves who are hunting/scouting. Am I doing something wrong? Is there any way I can increase her level other than fighting lvl 1-2s in 'Explore'? 
I never seem to be able to get her HP up enough to do that many times.

I think it's pretty normal that your hunters and scouter level up faster than your lead.

Unless you invest in buying healing salves (or you craft them) so you have always your HP bar filled and fight a lot, it's normal that your lead will level up slower.

Hunters and scout get several exp per day since they don't have HP or much limitations in getting it (safe for hunters that can only hunt 10 times a day)

You usually get the most HP from fighting npcs up to 3 levels above you. Fighting levels 4+ below you sometimes costs you more HP than you get experience in return. 

In general biting until your enemies bleeds and then waiting/resting saves you alot of HP. I also try to catch a fight in my last 10% engery since the energy you lose is less (won't fall below 0%)

I would say the balance shifts once you have a few levels under your belt and can fight more enemies inn explore.

Hmm, my lead wolf is actually slightly above my scouts in level (8 vs7), and I never use healing salves or anything.  I've been doing it about like Sienna said below - I try to fight enemies around my level, I bite them until they bleed and then mostly rest/wait to save on energy, unless the fight isn't going well or they keep attacking while I wait (but most don't). I do use Lucky Feet occasionally if it seems like I'm going to lose, but I find more Lucky Feet than I use.