by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Don't Trim Too Much Too Fast
Climbing and rambling rose plants need two or three years to become established and develop enough top growth to produce blossoms. Before that time, Christopher Brickell and David Joyce, authors of "Pruning & Training," recommend only dead-heading or removing spent flowers. For once-blooming climbers, which flower in early to midsummer, dead-head after flowering. Dead-head repeat-flowering roses once the last blooms have faded, in autumn or the dormant season.
On the Other: Aggressive Pruning Is Sometimes In Order
After the rose plant is established and before training begins, the editors of the "Complete Guide to Gardening and Landscaping" recommend a more aggressive pruning. At the onset of the growing season, remove all unproductive canes and some of the lateral or stems which branch off of the main canes. Cut back to the second bud.
Bottom Line
Climbing and rambling roses both benefit from some light pruning, but timing is everything. Go easy on young roses and give them time to establish before conducting any aggressive pruning.
Source:
"Pruning & Training;" Christopher Brickell & David Joyce; 1996
"Complete Guide to Gardening & Landscaping;" Time-Life Books; 1991
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