I think unless Baron is a tiny puppy, the vet should be able to grade the knees if it is luxating patella by feeling them. It isn't always accurate but xrays aren't 100% accurate either for grading this. It really depends on how severe the symptoms are. The terms your vet used are really so unmedical that I don't knwo what to think.
If it is arthritis, joint supplements could help. If the knees are really "crumbly", I think I'd be doing an xray immediately.
Cosequin is the only supplement backed by research so far from what I have seen and heard. Glucosamine is good but certain types are better than others. If I could not use Cosequin, I would consider Glycoflex or SynoviG3. These seem to be highly recommended also.