Less runny, for the dog (6)
I believe the answer is:
setter
'the dog' is the definition.
(setter is a type of dog)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for setter that I've seen before include "Hunting dog" , "Dog found in street" , "pointer" , "I may pose a problem" , "Silky-coated gun dog" .)