Strip the dog? Some might say: hold off (5)
I believe the answer is:
defer
'hold off' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for defer that I've seen before include "Capitulate" , "Accede" , "Submit to someone" , "Postpone - submit" , "Hold back to a later time" .)