Crossword Genius

Dogs start to bark in front of birds (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beagles

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

'dogs start' is the definition.
'beagles' can be an answer for 'dogs' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm unsure of the 'start' bit.

'bark in front of birds' is the wordplay.
'bark in front of' becomes 'b' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'birds' becomes 'eagles' (eagle is a kind of bird).
'b'+'eagles'='BEAGLES'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beagles that I've seen before include "Dogs" , "Hunting hounds" , "Short-legged hounds" , "These hounds bag eels badly" .)

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