Listen, I’m all for letting pets make their own choices within reason. I will let my dogs choose to engage with me, choose which toys to play with, or which chews to get as a snack. But the thing is, dogs are dumb. My dog will choose, 10/10 times, to chase a deer into a fast-flowing river over coming back to me for a snack. Does that mean I should let her? The water or the cold or the run itself clearly don’t bother her, but it isnt safe and that’s why she isnt allowed a choice in that situation.
It’s the same idea with outdoor dogs when it’s really cold. Your dog scratches to go back out because that’s where shes comfortable, but she shouldn’t be allowed to stay out overnight if it risks her health or safety. I know that isnt the answer you wanted, but your dad is right and he does know better than your dog. Humans have the capacity to think further ahead than dogs, so we have to make choices for them when there may be severe consequences (like frostbite or hypothermia).
That said, there are other things you can do to make your dog more comfortable so she doesnt seem so desolate indoors. You can try getting her some special chews (pigs ears or bully sticks) that she only gets when she has to spend the night indoors. Is it possible to crack a window in the room she stays? She might be finding it too warm if shes used to cooler temperatures. Make sure to offer her lots of water, and make sure to praise her for staying indoors before sending her back outside. Even working dogs should be made to feel comfortable if they have to stay indoors, it will not ruin their desire to work and will make them easier to live with.