Should I use typical potty pads or disposable dog potty patches (such as the brand Doggie Lawn)?

Neither, even training your dog to go on potty pads or faux grass in the home still encourages to go to the bathroom inside the home. If you have a yard I encourage you to take full advantage of it. If not use the faux grass or potty pads on a porch if you have one. I know it will be a pain to do it but trust me training a dog to use potty pads or other in home potty training items just makes them believe its ok to go to the bathroom inside your home.

I have used all types of potty pads, fake grass and the real grass you can grow inside. It all depends on the dog and the size. I don't have a preference for the older smaller dogs that do understand the difference between inside and outside. I do prefer the typical potty pads for dogs who will go to the bathroom outside as well inside on the potty pad. Now the real grass is harder, because typically with males (who lift up their legs) will miss the grass and start peeing on the floor or the side of the grass. Which tends to begin a bad behavior of peeing indoors. The real grass is only good, for me that is, for very small dogs who have a hard time being potty trained and also live in a very cold climate. Just so they can start learning that grass is the only spot they can pee on. Now it helps to have the real grass but it does tend to become very smelly after a while and you will end up throwing away the grass a lot sooner then it says for the product. This is just my personal opinion. Good luck on your choice!

Going for a walk for the exersize and the potty walk is what having and tending a dog is all about.