MauiGirl, I have used 3 different kinds of pads. First I got some off brand at Walmart and the next time I bought the Hartz ones. Then I bought a large case of the pads made for humans who are bed ridden and was cutting them in half. That is the most cost effective way to go but when Reggie starting shredding them and getting that cotton type stuffing everywhere I bought another pack of the Hartz ones for the reason you mentioned. However, he still can tear them up, it is just not quite as messy.
We have not tried the Kong. What kind of treats do you use in them? We have not given any treats to Reggie yet. He just gets Royal Canin puppy food. When we first got him my daughter gave him some of her cornbread stick and he got very sick to the point of vomiting and diarrhea. It was a big NO NO that she was not aware of. Then later once a vet gave him some of the squirty type cheese as a treat when he got his shots and as soon as we got home with him he had diarrhea. So, since then I have been leary to give him any kind of treat just because he seems to have a sensitive stomach.