Monster dog recreation area (4)
I believe the answer is:
ogre
'monster' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'dog recreation area' is the wordplay.
'OGRE' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ogre that I've seen before include "'Demon, fiend (4)'" , "Monstrous giant" , "Cruel giant of folklore" , "Fairy-tale creature" , "Bogeyman" .)