The meter reader stumbled backwards and fell on to the grass just out of reach of the dog who was tied up with a long rope.
He was rushed to hospital where he stayed for six nights while doctors took skin from his thigh to graft on to the wound.
Graham's dog has been euthanised after he surrendered the animal to Tauranga City Council animal services.
Graham was further remanded to appear in Tauranga District Court on May 14 when it is expected he will plead guilty to the charge.
Also in the same court today was Tauranga man Thomas Tareha Taite, 47, who also faced a charge of being the owner of dog which attacked a person and caused serious injury.
The charge relates to an allegation that Taite's American Pitbull Terrier Mastiff-Cross attacked a 64-year-old man visiting his Kairua Rd property on February 19.
The complainant is alleged to have suffered deep puncture wounds to his right leg, which required hospital treatment.
The dog is being held at Tauranga Pound until the matter is resolved.
Taite's next court appearance is in Tauranga District Court on May 12 when he must plead to the charge. He has also indicated he will plead guilty on that date.