Look over the vine carefully, locating any dead or dying branches. These can be identified by leaves that are drying or falling off the plant, or stems that are brittle and break easily. Using the pruning shears according to manufacturer's recommendations, remove the damaged branches by cutting them off the healthy plant stem to which they are attached.
Examine the growing area that the vine covers. If the plant is overtaking other structures or plants, such as a tree, cut back these branches to contain the vine to the desired area.
Make sure the structure that supports the vine is sturdy. For example, if the bower vine covers an old fence, prune back any heavy vines that could cause the structure to fall, creating either an eyesore or a liability issue.
Prune any stems that you simply do not want to keep, other than the main stem planted in the ground. Because a bower vine can withstand a harsh cutting, it is possible to prune it down to the main stem to reshape or control the vine without damaging it, if desired.