I have never tried the litter box but I think there is something to be said for the idea. If it works, I think it would resolve a number of in-house breaking issues:
1) the pan keeps the wet stuff off the ground or from leaking through the paper which even with wee-wee pads, does happen.
2) It creates a defined area where the dog is permitted to go to the bathroom making the whole housebreaking process that much easier and CLEARER to the dog.
If you must do in-house housebreaking, I say it is worth a try!