Thanks, everyone. Yes, we tried competition.

IMO it's not a question of smarts. It's an instinct array having to do with his perception of his place in the pack. He takes great joy in being given part of our share, even if it's just a crumb of bread, and even greater joy if it's Hardi who gives it to him, cuz he's Hardi's dog. You see this in other behavior as well. It took him awhile to realize that in our pack, I'm #2, not himself.... he had to realize he's sort of perpetually the puppy and I'm the mommy-- he comes to me for comfort but to Hardi for esteem.

And Hardi is not usually at home when it's dog supper time, or dog brekky either, and if he is home, he's in need of respite, not dog chores.

The SMELL of the food seems to override all the other considerations.

Last night I gave him a rinse of the dinner plates. It was too thin and almost didn't work. I'm going to continue to try a variety and combination of the above suggestions to get him into a consistent pattern and then I think habit will keep it going.

Thanks, all.

~S~