How do you handle dog issues on your route?

My route is in the ghetto. All walking. I personally love it and most of the people but the dogs are such a pain. Mostly brave chihuahuas trying to bite ankles but occasionally an off leash pitbull or shepherd.

Today a dog from a problem house ran to my park point as soon as I got out to start a loop. It then ran back after charging me and barking. I’ve tangoed with this dog before but it’s never been this aggressive. I do the loop (it initially leads away from this house) then once I got near that house the dog charged me again and chased me up some stairs. I sprayed it.

Then I kept going (probably shouldn’t have but I had at least 15 more houses left on this loop) and I confront the dogs owner? He’s always sitting in the front yard and not entirely mentally there. Told him he needs to keep his dog inside or on a leash and he just laughs at me and the dog comes at me again and I spray it again. Told the owner no more delivery for his residence.

On my way back to my van I looked at the owner and he was making cut throat gestures at me. Like I said he’s not mentally all there and does it while not making eye contact. Whatever, I told my supervisor and they just said “sounds good” to me hold their delivery.

Do I need to hold more than their mail? It’s a triplex condo type and there are several apartments and houses nearby that would no longer get mail if I held that block.

Thanks.