Crossword Genius

They train dogs (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pointers

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'dogs' is the definition.
(pointer is a kind of dog)

'they train' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'train' could be 'point' (both can mean to aim) and 'point' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ers' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pointers that I've seen before include "Dogs" , "Clues" , "making a good showing?" , "Tips about proteins" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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