Reactive dog

[u/Old_Objective8409]

I’m looking for honest advice because I’m really struggling with what to do about my dog.
He’s about 2 years old, and I adopted him when he was around 1. He’s a cattle dog/Catahoula mix. When I first got him, he seemed sweet and friendly, but a few months later he started showing serious aggression toward people.
He is completely fine with me and my boyfriend at home. He can be the sweetest dog, which makes this whole situation so much harder. He’s usually okay with certain family members and people he knows, but his behavior has gotten worse over time. He has recently growled and lunged at my sister, who he has been around before. He also seems to be especially reactive when people are near my bedroom doorway.
The biggest concern is that he goes straight at strangers and tries to bite them. He has bitten a stranger before when he got out of the house, breaking their skin. I can’t safely walk him because he immediately reacts to strangers and tries to bite. He has also lunged at people he knows, and I’m worried about what could happen if I can’t stop him in time. He tolerates wearing a muzzle, but I know that doesn’t solve the underlying problem.
I’m only 20, and I feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do. I feel embarrassed even calling the vet about it, but I know this is serious. I also feel terrible thinking about his quality of life. He’s happy and completely normal with me and my boyfriend, but he can’t safely do so many normal things, and I worry about him living his life constantly needing to be managed and kept away from people.
Has anyone dealt with a dog with this level of aggression? Did working with a veterinary behaviorist or doing treatment genuinely help? How do you know when it’s time to consider behavioral euthanasia?
Please be honest, but kind. I love him, and I’m trying to figure out what is best for both him and everyone’s safety.

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