I would go ahead and trim it up to the shape you want, but hold off a bit longer with the fertilizer because you could still get a few good frosts, couldn't you? You don't want to encourage too much leafing out with potential frosts still on their way. You may want to mention what zone you are in so someone from your zone can give you a good time to start with the fertilizing.

With climbers, the deer get the lower stuff and you get the rest. I have two Handels. The first picture is of a bush about 8 feet tall with no leaves on the bottom because of the deer:
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The second Handel was pruned down by a misguided tree service and now is too short to get established.
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I accept the situation because the big Handel is taking over the space of the small Handel.

I recommend protecting your climber until it gets some height (cage) and then leave it alone.

thank you both very much! a big load off :)

Depends on how hungry the deer may be .... I have actually seen them jumping up to grab stuff way over their heads for something to eat.

It's probably best that when you build your deer protection at the base of the plant, to make it as wide and tall as you can. I have actually had roses use my deer cages for support as they continued to climb.

Smiles,
Lyn

My cages are free standing and not attached to the ground.
Deer would have a hard time climbing and are too stupid to push them over.