Gear either Corso or Bowdaar with actually tanking items and a solid weapon. You will notice the difference in their tanking and taking damage. I geared Bowdaar up, modable vibrosword, mod armor (with def stats). He's a beast now, gold elites are fun to kill now. One trick I found was not to order Bowdaar to attack. I use Aimed Shoot, then Defence Screen, once I'm attacked Bowdaar charges in and taunts. That is six seconds of go crazy DPS. And get a Biochem to make you the stims that heal you and your companion.