It looks like you’re watering your pots at the center of the pot. Try watering more around the edges to help the roots stretch and avoid root rot. If the center does get too dry just mist with a sprayer. As far as training g goes I would wait about a week to take off the bottom leaves. They look a little young. However when the time comes Take off the bottom branches as well as the bottom leaves, but maybe on a separate day you prune the bottom leaves to avoid over pruning and stressing it. Also don’t prune defoliate on days you water especially on days you give it nutrients as this can also over stress it. You’re also going to want to prune or I use the term defoliation for removing top fan leaves that shade bottom bud sights. If you believe you over pruned it add a drop of honey to the sight u pruned/defoliated and it helps with recovery(I’ve heard) I’m not a fan of bending tying down as it makes watering a bitch.