A dog will stir if you prod it (4)
I believe the answer is:
goad
'it' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'a dog will stir if you prod' is the wordplay.
'a dog' anagrams to 'GOAD'.
But, I am unsure how the anagram is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for goad that I've seen before include "that provides motivation" , "Spur, urge on" , "Provoke to action" , "Arouse" , "Spur or stimulate" .)