Distract party with dog (9)

I believe the answer is:

sidetrack

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'distract' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'party with dog' is the wordplay.
'party with' becomes 'side' (eg a side or party in a contract. I am not sure about the 'with' bit.).
'dog' becomes 'track' (synonyms).
'side'+'track'='SIDETRACK'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sidetrack that I've seen before include "small way" , "Bit of railway" , "Distract (from big issue)" , "Divert" , "draw away" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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