I would suggest you don't acknowledge the dog, don't make eye-contact, and don't speak to him. That can be easier said than done, especially with something as big as a Rottie, but dogs know rejection when they see it. If you engage the dog, expect to be treated as his/her 'alpha' and to be followed.
If this is a common occurrence I would contact the town's animal control officer to let them know of your encounter and let them handle the situation with the dog's owner. The dog is just being a dog - it's the owner's responsibility to keep their pet confined according to the laws.
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