Begin with your dog on a non-slip surface. Standing behind your dog, gently lift their core so that they are essentially “standing” on their front legs. This exercise loads the front limbs to increase strength in the shoulder muscles and stabilising muscles, but mostly the aim is to stretch the shoulders and the thoracic sling structures.
Only perform at a comfortable range for your dog as they are quite unable to move from this position if it is taken too far. Look for signs such as the elbows or shoulders going rigid or looking to bend, your dog turning to look at you or beginning to pant, for example.