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There may have been some confusion but there often is when we are learning something new. The trick is not to let that challenge turn into frustration; I think your responses to how your dog is feeling (watching their responses and body language carefully) will help keep the frustration out of the picture.
It looked to me like dropping the leash gave Meeko more freedom to respond to the situation and improved their comfort and understanding of what was being asked. Was that a conscious choice or a lucky coincidence on your part?