Reggie (Adopted from a shelter )(Cocker Spaniel)

Question
Dolores,
I adopted Reggie (male, Cocker Spaniel) from a foster home and he's been with us two weeks now. He's about 2, which I will confirm as soon as I take him to the vet. I haven't had experience with a dog since I was a teen, so I'm really out of the loop and can use some advice.
First I'd like to ask about this cough he has that sounds like he's trying to get a hair ball out of his throat usually followed by a gagging sound like he's trying to bring it up but, nothing seems to produce, at least not come out of his mouth. Is this kennel cough?
Also, I've been feeding him Eagle Pack Holistic 1 cup 2x day which was recommended by his foster mom because he's overweight at 35lbs. He wouldn't eat the dry food so we mixed it with a small can of Mighty Dog. (I've seen in your other posts that Mighty Dog isn't a good choice can you suggest something else?) I plan on trying the other dry food Innova/Canidae I'm hoping it's cheaper then Eagle Pack. He has done #2 in the house when we're at work, so we're crating him during the week days. He's also gone #2 when we were home. Any suggestions on what we can do to prevent this? He doesn't seem to know how to tell us when he has to go. We've been just taking him outside every 2-3 hours when we're home  which seems to help. We feel awful for crating him for at least 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Can you tell me your thoughts on crating? It's something I have no experience with.
Also, he's our only dog so I've taken him on play dates with the neighbors 3 dogs and he just sits there and doesn't play. He's real mellow at home as well. Should I be concerned?
He's a beautiful dog and we think he may be part golden retriever. He minds well and knows sit, stay, heal. I took him to a new dog park yesterday next to a creek, took him off his leash and he came to me when he was told in a firm voice, although he's stubborn and has to be commanded 2 or 3 times before he will mind me or my husband (he minds my husband better).
Any advice you can give us on what to look for in groomers, discipline and the like would be much appreciated.

Answer
Yes, it does sound like kennel cough.  A round of antibiotics will clear it up.

And it's false economy to feed a cheap food.  The bad fillers and horrifying preservatives will end up with you paying for more vet bills.  I like Canidae canned.  Use little or no kibble.

I'd back up and start housebreaking just as you would with a puppy.
Take him out (don't put him out) - give the command you choose - when he goes then praise and give treat.  Always preface going out with "Want to go OUT"?  If he has an accident in the house - don't correct unless you catch him in the act.

You should feel awful about crating him all day.  It'll ruin him.
I understand your problem but I'd confine him to the kitchen - leave a radio on - water - toys etc.  Buy some "potty pads" at PetSmart
and leave those for him until the housebreaking kicks in.

Get him to the vet and do a total Wellness check - bloodwork plus thyroid panel.  And understand you're new to him - your house is new to him and it takes weeks for him to settle in.  Don't worry about his lack of interest in play dates.  Some dogs just aren't into it.

Any other questions, don't hesitate to write.
Delores