Dealing with a dog attack and dealing with a dog owner are two seperate things. Seems like people who discourage the use of Halt haven't tried it, or didn't use it when the dog was up close. If it's even breezy and you unlease a 10 foot spray, then you have a good chance of getting some on yourself. Most dogs I've sprayed are only a foot or two away - the ones that get in your "bubble".
The only dog owner I've dealt directly with was the one who caused my accident. Usually, you don't have to deal with the owner. Get the dog good one time with Halt and they leave you alone after that. Some will still bark at you, but from about 50 feet away.
I had one owner glare at me as I rode by after Halting his dog but I think he knew he should be keeping his dog under control. And he has ever since.