Hey Cheech,
Due to it's your first grow I would recommend LST over topping. I really do not want to bother you, but maybe you start with something less difficult. Good luck!
Cheerz
OimRausch 👍✌️
I would definitely top the plant. As far as defoliation wait till she gets bigger. You can start lst training since it's still early in veg but training methods are really up to the grower as far how much room you have to work with and how big you want the plant to get. Other than that looks great!