I started using the Purina brand dog litter for Baxter when he was a puppy---we had just moved in to our home and wasn't able to get it fenced yet, plus I thought it would be better for him since we would not be home. during the day It seemed cheaper than pee pads, too. It is made of paper, so it is non-toxic. I have read that kitty litter can be toxic for dogs.
Now, we have a fenced in yard. Cooper never liked the litter box, so he adapted to outside more easily. Baxter still goes in the box 80% of the time. I wish he would give it up, since Darcy doesn't use it either....but I guess I shouldn't gripe since he does use it
The only things I can tell you are that it will track, I am sweeping/mopping up litter daily, but I would have to do this on the pee pads too.
If you put a pee pad in the box (I use the geriatric bed pads--you can buy them by the case at Sam's for $20), I sprinkle it with baking soda, then put the box inside a trash liner before filling it with litter, it makes it wayyyy easier to clean up. I just dump the bag about once per week, or when I notice the litter getting low, and rebag the box and start over
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The purina brand has a deoderant in it, and will not smell unpleasant if you scoop the soggies (of course you got to get the poops right away). The petco brand of litter doesn't fight the odor in the least.