" I have talked to him opening about things that interest me such as the flogger and he tries it. He says he enjoys my responses to this but he always goes lightly not pushing my limits to see how i handle more intense strikes."
Hoping you don't mind a Domme answering in a Dom section. My apologies if you do.
good on you talking out your needs
the more you open up the easier it will be for him.
Have you though of using either a color system or your safe word for the upper limits on what you can handle, then a mid range one? A number system also works the fastest when dealing with a the learning curve for a new Dom/me. I'm not suggesting you use this ALL the time just set up some session that training sessions for you BOTH with the idea more focused on learning impact than anything else. Some people see this process, as it grading the Dom but sometimes (more so if it isn't their kink or they are topping you because they like your reaction)it can be a wonderful tool that bridges the distance and builds a Dom/mes confidence. He loves you so his main focus right now is pleasing you and not wishing to get things wrong for you, he will not push your limits without some help. If you lived with a rope fetish, you'd spend time just doing rope and PRACTICING. Practicing strikes is really no different. Practicing any technique is never wrong.
The idea is on each strike you assign it a number from say one to ten. Ten being the highest, one being feather touch. You don't need to grade every strike, just when the intensity differs (like he delivering all 6s and then suddenly it jumped to 9..what was different?). The idea he learns what you need, plus how much force to put behind toys like paddles, hands, floggers etc. That way he more signals than just how your body responds (small hairs raising, breathing pattern, redness, welting, heat to touch, moans, wetness etc) Some people that are new to BDSM NEED verbal clues to build confidence (more so with loved ones or when your Topping). There is nothing wrong with taking this approach if it get you BOTH to where you wish to be. The idea is get where you both wish to be. BDSM isn't a sprint, its a marathon and like all marathons you need to stop for training! Training isn't just for the submissive!
also does he know all the safety areas for spanking, whips, canes , paddles etc? You can always mark these on your body for practice too....to use like a visual aide (make sure its not a sharpie!). I know this doesn't sound as sexy or hot for you but in this case your building his confidence, so he can ran with it in the future (without fear). The lifestyle is about the rest of your life...sometimes the "right now" just needs to shut up and wait till both parties catch up to eachother.
Also if hes just started using floggers. Get him to practice away from you. A fluffy towel over a chair is great training aid (velvet is better) any fabric with a nap (the way the fluffy bits move when brushed) will show where his strikes are landing. He can practice landing them in the same place. A stuffie can work too! (sorry littles) Practice makes perfect. If he moves to heavier whips a darker material works well, (or stuffy) just run some talc over your whips/canes etc! (don't forget to clean it off)
Also how he holds each item will improve his aim, I wont jump into that now...but it might pay for him to research that too. Grip/posture will improve aim and strike impact. In short your thumb will be where your tail direction is heading.