Crossword Genius

Cheers small canine, pointer according to Spooner (6-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

toodle-pip

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

'cheers' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'small canine pointer according to spooner' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'to' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for toodle-pip that I've seen before include "Goodbye (dated)" , "Farewell remark - dipole top (anag)" , "Farewell (informal)" , "so long" , "Take care" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app