Given the constraints, running Dokku commands remotely via SSH is fine. For certain configurations, the extra complication of manually invoking ssh can be a burden.
The easiest way to interact with Dokku remotely is by using the official client. Documented below are the various clients that you may wish to use.
See the remote commands documentation for more information on how to install and use the official client.
Dokku-toolbelt is a node-based cli wrapper that proxies requests to the Dokku command running on remote hosts. You can install it via the following shell command (assuming you have nodejs and npm installed):
npm install -g dokku-toolbeltSee documentation here for more information.
Dokku CLI is a rubygem that acts as a client for your Dokku installation. You can install it via the following shell command (assuming you have ruby and rubygems installed):
gem install dokku-cliSee documentation here for more information.
Dockland is a rubygem that acts as a client for your Dokku installation. You can install it via the following shell command (assuming you have ruby and rubygems installed):
gem install docklandSee documentation here for more information.