He may say he wants it, but...

Subs can get excited to try something new; bondage, electro, whatever. If the Dom is willing, that's all great and they should try it. Subs can be apprehensive when a Dom introduces a new element, and the Dom should give consideration to the request, is it something the sub can bear?

A sub who has shown an aversion to pain may want to try electro, but there is a high possibility he will not be able to take it. The dom should should carefully think of how to proceed. Sometimes just saying "No" is the best answer.  This does bring in the possibility the sub will find someone less adept to try it. The Dom could also introduce at low levels and demonstratate to the sub how much (or little) the sub can take. 

Sometimes the sub wants to do something more risky. It could be just talk, and that is where the Dom needs to evaluate what the sub is saying beyond the words. I talk to my subs, let them open up about various topics. I get to know them and their lives. They can express an interest in things that I don't think they would like. On occasion, it works out and we have something new to explore. Other times it doesn't work for them. In reality, it's like trying a new food. Some you will like, some you will not. 

Let's get back to a high risk or high stakes desire by the sub. Let us assume sub A is a good, obedient, but fairly new sub. He is able to take good amounts of pain and humiliation. Having found submission, he has gotten the bug and wants to do much more; attend sex parties, go to conventions. When first introduced to something, it is not uncommon for someone to want to immerse themselves. Most often in all of us, this lasts a while then cools down. Money will be spent, books and articles read. While in this state of high excitment, you can extend the limits of the sub, but you also need to be sure you do not push so hard as to cause them to recoil. 

So sub A wants to take things from the sessions you have been having to a full week of being treated like an object. Forced to sleep in a cellar or closet, kept naked, treated brutally and forced to do hard manual labour. That can be difficult for an experienced sub, and a new one may not be able to take it. The longer a session goes, the more fortitude the sub needs to make it through. In this case, part of the plan would be limited or no positive support. This is an example, it can be anything, include something more extreme.

This proposed plan is difficult on the body and mind. The sub may have the physical ability to take it, but the effects on his mind could be deterimental. A concern with new subs is scaring them off. As a Dom, you need to evaluate how sincere the sub's desire is, and how prepared he is to actually take. You can not predict every reaction perfectly, but reasoned reflection will give you a good idea of what he can and cannot take. Once you have established that, have a deep conversation with the sub about how much you think he can take, and how difficult this will be. His openness about his feelings on the matter will have an impact as well. 

So let us presume that you agree to proceed. Time off work is arranged, other things prepared for. This is not a post about what you need for this, such as monitoring the sub, this is about his ability to complete a task that may be well beyond him. Bound or restricted subs should never be left unattended in case a problem arrises, even if they don't know they are being watched. This post presumes all necessary requirements are handled. 

As a Dom, you will need to be on the look out for the sub cracking. As much as he may want it, it may get past the point he can bear. The initial block of time will probaly be fine. He is getting to live his fantasy. As time progresses, he may take to it like a duck to water. In this case, it's a natural fit, and you have a new element for your times together. Even then, objectification can take a toll, so monitor that his mental state remains clear. Any activity can take a toll, so you need to watch out. If it's a new activity pay special attention. Is phrasing or body language changing showing that the sub is in distress? 

The objectification, or whatever activity is being done, may not be something the sub can bear. And it may take some time for him to realize this. In our example, he may struggle for hours doing his best because he asked for it. Between the two of you, one of you may need to call it off. There is no magic bullet with this. The sub may safe word out,  or you may realize he is past his limit. 

One important thing to remember is so long as it is in the realm of fantasy, it seems possible to the sub. When you begin to discuss implementation, it becomes more real. The sub may back out at that point. That is natural. As it becomes more probable, the seriousness becomes more palpable. This is the same thing as the number of subs who contact a Dom for a first session, make plans, actually drive to the Dom's place, then go right past. It is not the idea that scares them, it's the knowledge that it will happen. The close to the "point of impact" the more real. 

Be prepared to pull back, and pull the sub back, at any moment. This is new for the sub, he can't predict his reaction. It may have been a great leap for him. You being there, protecting him, and most of all soothing him at the end, will bind him closer than ever before. It doesn't matter if he finishes the plan or not. Your acceptance and comfort will show him that he is watched. Subs fail. When they do, punishment should not be automatic. If they are pushing their own limits to please you, and have given their best efforts, look at what they have done, not what they didn't.