jim49631, you need to establish greater branch angles off the tree trunk. When the tree is first planted, you want to select and form 60 degree scaffold branch angles as they begin to grow. Prune to force branch growth outward. When the fruit loads on the branch it will bend down naturally and not tear off the trunk. Now you can tie the weight closer to the trunk to enlarge the branch angle. Install a tree guard that covers the trunk up to the first branch. A hungry porcupine could girdle the tree trunk in a few minutes.

If I pull down on these branches anymore they
will break. I've only had this tree for 2 years.
The center has grown to about 12 feet. Should
I prune this back or let it grow until spring.

Jim Zone 5 MI

jim49631, pears tend to grow straight up on a dominant leader. After several years the limbs will bend down naturally when it has a fruit load. You want a full size tree in an open field. Spread the small branches from the central leader with wooden clothes pins. As you know larger branches are harder to spread open. I have a 10 ft Crisp-n-Sweet pear growing that also can be eaten off the tree and a Summercrisp being delivered November.