Apple Pruning

So Monty Don was pruning his apple tree and saying if you do it now it will throw up lots of new shoots.
I don't want lots of new growth, I want to keep the tree in check as it is near the house and I am getting too old for tree climbing 

So is there a time that I can prune the tree and not get lots of new growth.

thanks

Elaine

Thank you mumofstig I will try to remember in July!

I have no idea why Monty was pruning his so late when it clearly wasn't dormant.

Thanks
Elaine