Running Dog Guide: Big Smoke Weed Deal Foot Chase

Running Dog is the seventh mission assigned by Melvin "Big Smoke" Harris in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Operating out of Big Smoke's house in Idlewood, this assignment teaches players the mechanics of foot chases, obstacle vaulting, and stamina management across residential neighborhoods.

While the mission appears simple on paper, a lack of cardiovascular conditioning or fumbling fence climbs can allow the target to escape into East Los Santos traffic. This tactical guide breaks down the route mechanics, parkour timing, and weapon choices needed to eliminate the runner quickly.

Mission Briefing & Key Data

Storyline Context: Suspicious Encounters in Idlewood

As Carl Johnson walks up to Big Smoke's front porch in Idlewood, the front door swings open. Officers Frank Tenpenny and Eddie Pulaski of C.R.A.S.H. walk out, exchanging smirks and mocking Carl as they pass. When Carl confronts Big Smoke about entertaining dirty cops in his private residence, Smoke plays down the situation, claiming the officers were merely extorting free meals and bothering him.

Smoke quickly changes the subject, asking Carl for a favor. He claims that his cousin from Mexico is in town with high-grade weed and wants to make a trade. Carl agrees to act as chauffeur, unaware that the meeting will instantly erupt into gang violence.

Required Loadout & Pre-Mission Preparation

Sprinting down an armed gangster across backyards requires good movement speed and reliable firepower:

• Stamina Training (Gym Workout): If you have not visited the Ganton Gym, your stamina bar may deplete rapidly. Spending two minutes on the stationary bicycle or treadmill doubles CJ's sprint duration, keeping you at maximum pace during the pursuit.
• Micro SMG or 9mm Pistol: Running with heavy weapons (like shotguns or rifles) slows CJ's top running speed. Keep an SMG or standard pistol selected so you can sprint at full speed and fire quickly without swapping slots.
• Body Armor: While the primary runner flees unarmed initially, he will draw a weapon if cornered. A basic armor vest prevents unnecessary damage during the final standoff.

Step-by-Step Tactical Walkthrough

Phase 1: Escorting Big Smoke to East Los Santos

Step outside Big Smoke's house and enter his blue Glendale sedan parked in the driveway. Wait for Smoke to enter the passenger side. A yellow target marker appears on your radar, directing you north toward East Los Santos.

Drive through the neighborhood streets, crossing the railroad tracks into the residential district. Pull into the red corona marker outside the designated house. Big Smoke steps out of the car, instructing Carl to remain nearby while he initiates the transaction.

Phase 2: The Deal Goes Wrong

A cutscene triggers showing Big Smoke approaching two members of the Los Santos Vagos standing on the porch. Smoke attempts to converse with them, but the gangsters quickly realize Smoke is a Grove Street leader. One of the Vagos members insults Big Smoke in Spanish, shouting that there is no package for him.

Enraged, Big Smoke pulls out a baseball bat and cracks the first gangster across the skull, dropping him instantly to the pavement. The second Vagos gang member panics, turns on his heels, and sprints down the adjacent alleyway. Big Smoke, recognizing his physical weight prevents him from running, shouts for Carl to chase the man down.

Phase 3: The Backyard Foot Pursuit

Control returns to Carl immediately. The target has a slight head start and appears as a red blip on your minimap. Sprint down the concrete alley after him:

1. Holster Heavy Weapons: If you are holding a two-handed weapon, switch to fists or a pistol immediately. Carrying heavy weapons applies a movement speed penalty to Carl.
2. Sprint Cadence: Instead of pressing and holding the sprint button (which drains stamina in five seconds), rhythmically tap the sprint button. Tapping extends your sprint duration and maintains top speed.
3. Fence Vaulting Technique: The runner cuts through residential yards, hopping low wooden fences. Approach each fence straight on and press the Jump button right before contact. CJ will smoothly vault over the barrier without breaking stride. Hitting the fence at an angle can cause CJ to grab the ledge and hoist himself slowly, losing valuable seconds.
4. Concrete Retaining Wall: After clearing two wooden fences, the target climbs a waist-high concrete wall into an upper yard. Follow him up. If you are close enough, you can begin aiming while airborne.

Phase 4: Eliminating the Target

You have multiple methods to take down the fleeing gangster:

• Ranged Drive-By on Foot: If you equipped a Micro SMG or Tec-9, tap the aim button as soon as you clear a fence. Lock onto his back and fire a three-round burst. Two hits will drop him before he clears the second yard.
• Fence Sniping: As the target hoists himself over a wooden fence, he enters an uninterruptible climbing animation. Take advantage of this pause to line up headshots with your 9mm pistol.
• End of Route Standoff: If you do not shoot him during the backyard chase, the runner drops onto a paved residential street. He will turn around, draw a pistol, and fire at Carl. Drop into a crouch behind the street curb and finish him with controlled fire.

Phase 5: Returning Big Smoke to Idlewood

Once the Vagos member is dead, pick up the weapon and cash he drops on the ground. A blue marker appears over Big Smoke, who is waiting back near his Glendale on the original street.

Jog back to the car. If Big Smoke has already started walking down the sidewalk toward you, meet him halfway. Get into the driver seat, let Smoke enter the passenger door, and follow the yellow blip back south toward Idlewood. Park in the marker outside Big Smoke's residence to complete the mission.

Common Failure Points & How to Avoid Them

Pro Tips & Advanced Pursuit Tactics

• Treadmill Buff: Complete a full workout routine at the Ganton Gym before starting Big Smoke's missions. High stamina grants unlimited sprint on foot, making this mission an effortless jog.
• Pre-Aim During Vaults: As Carl lands on the far side of a fence, release the jump button and tap your target lock immediately. CJ will snap his crosshair directly to the runner's back.
• Steal a Parked Vehicle: If your stamina is dangerously low, there is sometimes a parked vehicle in the driveway adjacent to the first fence. Stealing it and driving around the block to cut off the runner is a viable backup strategy.
• Collect Dropped Cash: The runner carries a decent sum of pocket money. Always step across his corpse before returning to Big Smoke's car.

Video Walkthrough

Frequently Asked Questions