Crossword Genius

To be safe, check out the dog (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

secure

'to be safe' is the definition.
('secure' can be a synonym of 'safe')

'check out the dog' is the wordplay.
'check' becomes 'see' ('see' can be a synonym of 'check').
'out' is an insertion indicator.
'the dog' becomes 'cur' (cur is a kind of dog).
'see' going around 'cur' is 'SECURE'.

(Other definitions for secure that I've seen before include "Fixed or fastened so as not to give way" , "Rescue (anag) - make safe" , "properly restrained" , "Firmly fixed or free from uncertainty" , "land" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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