The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word KENNELLED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
K
E
N
N
E
L
L
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Like a setter in the doghouse?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case like a setter in the doghouse? = kennelled.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does KENNELLED mean?
KENNELLED verb- To house or board a dog (or less commonly another animal).
- To lie or lodge; to dwell, as a dog or a fox.
- To drive (a fox) to covert in its hole.