The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind guide dog services national manager Paul Metcalf said guide dogs were trained to avoid potentially dangerous environments for their handlers and to ensure the safety of their handlers at all times.
The 64-year-old Mosgiel man was walking with his golden labrador guide dog (understood to be called Hilo), when he fell on to rocks in the Water of Leith near the University of Otago clocktower building on Tuesday morning.
He received serious leg and chest injuries.
Mr Metcalf said guide dogs undertook rigorous training over two years, and the trust between dog and handler continued to grow as they worked together as a team.
"Dogs are trained to walk on the left of their handler and to lead rather than be led," Mr Metcalf said.
"There are occasions when a handler may unintentionally override the work of the dog and this can lead to potentially dangerous situations.
"Witness reports so far are indicating this could have been the case in this instance," Mr Metcalf said.
He said the dog was returned to his family late yesterday, where he was being looked after until he could be reunited with his master.
The dog's owner had surgery yesterday and was recovering in a general ward last night.
