Crossword Genius

Stroke pet — racket follows (5-6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

doggy-paddle

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

'stroke pet racket follows' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot tell whether this works.

'stroke pet racket follows' is the wordplay.
'stroke pet' becomes 'doggy' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'racket' becomes 'paddle' (paddle is a kind of racket).
'follows' says to put letters next to each other.
'doggy'+'paddle'='DOGGY-PADDLE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for doggy-paddle that I've seen before include "Simple swimming stroke" , "Elementary swimming stroke" .)

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