On the kennel thing, let me tell you my experience.
I was VERY ANTI KENNEL for a long time. I, like you, thought that putting a dog in a kennel and leaving her there where she couldn't roam around was not kind. But we adopted a dog who had some issues (in her case, some pretty severe separation anxiety), and we didn't know what else to do.
If you do buy a kennel, it's important to get your dog accustomed to it as a fun place, not as a place of punishment. Put some delicious, amazing treats in there, leave the door open, feed the dog in the kennel, and basically teach her that "good things happen in the kennel!" Only after the dog goes in comfortably and is hanging out in there do you start training with the door closed...only for a few seconds at a time, then let the dog out and give lots of treats. Repeat, keeping the amount of time the dog is in the kennel longer and longer as time goes by. Remember - the kennel is a happy, good place where awesome things happen!
Slowly your dog will acclimate to the kennel, and be comfortable in there...the more awesome things happen to the dog in the kennel, the more happy the dog will be in there. Go slow, be persistent, and consistently give rewards.
Again, I was very anti-kennel. But our girl used to FREAK OUT when we left her alone, being destructive and generally being in a panic. The kennel has COMPLETELY resolved that issue. And now, if I just say her command ("Kennel!") she runs right in and lays down, happy as a clam to have her safe place to stay. And when someone comes over and I need her out of the way or she's too amped to behave well, I can give her that separation WITHOUT it being a punishment.
Here's a great article on kennel training:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals..._training.html
You don't need Cesar Milan to train your dog - you just need some knowledge, and you need to be firm and consistent. There are some EXCELLENT resources online on dog training, or you can go to your library and get books, even Cesar Milan's books, to give you guidance. The information is out there for free.
For example, on barking - you need to introduce a word that means "don't bark"..."quiet" would be a good one. When your dog barks, give the command, then distract the dog with a treat immediately, which should stop the barking. If the dog is quiet, it gets the treat. If it continues barking, no treat until it stops. AS SOON as the dog stops barking, say a reward word and give the treat. Next time he barks, give the same command, and when he stops barking, say the word and give him the treat. No scolding, no yelling, just rewarding for acceptable behavior.
Now this can take a REALLY LONG time. Sometimes the dog will bark and bark and bark and bark, and you'll want to give the dog the treat to shut him up. Don't. No treats unless he's exhibiting behaviors you want him to exhibit.
Some basic obedience training might be REALLY GOOD for your dog, as well. It can burn off excess energy and provide intellectual stimulation. And good obedience skills are great for getting a dog's attention when it's not behaving the way you'd like. You can start basic obedience training with focus games. Say your dog's name - when he looks you in the eye, even for a second, say your "reward word" (ours is "Yes!") and give a treat. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Every time he does the behavior you ask for, say his reward word and give him a treat. Only ask once...if he doesn't get it the first time, get him to look at you some other way (snap near your face, make kissy noises, etc)...reward AS SOON AS he looks at you.
Another focus game is "Touch" - tell your dog to "Touch", and hold out your hand near his face at eye level. When his nose touches your hand, say your reward word and give him a treat. Repeat, repeat, repeat, using the same method of saying the command once and getting attention however you can, then rewarding AS SOON as the good behavior occurs. Either of these games can be great distractors from barking...a dog rushing to touch your hand or looking at you because you said his name isn't focusing on barking or other undesirable behaviors.
After your dog has basic commands with just you, introduce distractions...bouncing balls, noises, etc. And keep practicing until your dog is doing the command every time, even if distracted. It takes a LOT of repetitions. But when it's done, you will be so. much. happier!
You know, lots of people with weight to lose say "Wow, I need Bob and Jillian to come here and help me". But we all know that if we're consistent, get answers, and work hard, we can do it on our own. The same with dog training...you don't need Cesar Milan, you need to be consistent and do your research.
Here's one site to get you started:
http://www.loveyourdog.com/teachyourdog.html
I would also like to third the suggestion that you try to find a small group class...it'll not only get your dog a basic training foundation, but it will also get your dog exposed to other people and dogs. Both will help with the problem you're experiencing.