Tips for dogs (8)
I believe the answer is:
pointers
This clue might be a double definition.
'tips' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'dogs' is the second definition.
(pointer is a kind of dog)
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pointers that I've seen before include "Tips about proteins" , "Dogs" , "Clues" , "making a good showing?" .)