Anti-social Yorkie
 

We adopted a Yorkshire Terrier from that had been rescued from a puppy mill. She was 7 when she was rescued and we have had her for a year. She seems to want to be alone all of the time. She is very excited when we get home from work, but when we sit down in the evening, she shakes and wants to go back upstairs to her bed. She rarely wants to stay downstairs with us. We have tried putting her bed downstairs with us, petting her and comforting her, but she runs to the stairs and wants us to take her back up. Does anyone have any ideas for why she does this? It seems to be getting worse instead of better.

Bless her heart. If she lived in a mill for 7 yrs I'm sure she had little to no human contact and is still very nervous and scared of the socialization you are offering her. It sounds like you both work, so she is still alone during the day. Since the only time you have to work with her is in the evenings and on week-ends, try to spend time with her for short periods, then let her relax however she wishes. Then take her back down with you for another play period. If it were me, I would do this as many times during the evening as your schedule allows. Same thing on wk-ends, except more. Does she like walks? Walks are supposed to be a great way to bond with your dog. Keep her away from loud and busy streets at first or until she relaxes some. It sounds like this will take a committed effort on your part and as you have already had her a year, IMHO, it's going to take a lot longer and I believe you should be prepared for her never to be much better. However, if you keep working with her patiently, touching and cooing her, hopefully, she will learn to enjoy your company and trust you.

I'm sure it's frustrating and this is a challenge to be sure. I applaud you for your efforts and for giving her a loving home. Many people would not have bothered, she is lucky and I am sure at some level, she realizes it.
I would bet any amount of money that she doesn't want to go back.

There are many people here who will, no doubt, have some great ideas. Good luck and keep us posted on her progress.

Bless you for adopting her and I pray that she gets better with your loving care.