Even if it's just for when you are out there with him it would be a nice change for him. Get a little fence so you can sit and read while he's running around foraging.
That's funny because that's what my border collie puppy did when she was little. She wouldn't leave the pads alone and just tore them all up. I should have known then that there was going to be trouble! I still can't let that dog in the run with my ducks because all she wants to do is eat their...
How about putting him in one of those mesh playpens for kids. He is old enough not to need a heat lamp so I would think it would be perfect for indoors and easy to clean up. Plus he'd be able to see everything around him.
Often times in the US you can get them at a yard sale or on Crag's list...