I've been the guy in the bite suit...most times it's not an issue. Did get bit once on the flank and I screamed like a Lil girl with a skinned knee. Everyone around was laughing till they saw the "mark" that Malinois left.
Not much padding in those suits in the flank regions. To this day I remember that dogs name: Jurek!
My Mal really enjoys the work too. I weigh 230, am fit (work out 4 to 5 times a week and hike an average of 12 to 15 miles on the mountains) and when he sees the "perp" & turns on the 4 wheel drive he drags me along.