We have always used pee pads for all of the puppies which has worked wonderfully well. As for the "playing" with the pad, it's like any other training issue, it takes a lot of attention and perseverance. You would need to dedicate yourself as much to train your pup to use the litter box, so in the end, I would rather change out puppy pads then change out litter box contents. But, of course, that's one reason I don't own a cat!
Good luck with whatever direction you go!