The spelling of the word "monkey dog" can be explained using IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) phonetic transcription. The first syllable "mon" is pronounced as "mʌn," which includes a short "u" sound. The second syllable "key" is pronounced as "ki," where the "e" makes a long "e" sound. The final syllable "dog" is pronounced as "dɔg," with an "o" making an "aw" sound. Overall, "monkey dog" is spelled based on the sounds of each syllable, as they are pronounced in the IPA transcription.